Trump Fires Cabinet Secretary After Brutal Week On Capitol Hill

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will leave her role at the Department of Homeland Security later this month, replacing her with Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Noem would transition into a new role as Special Envoy for “The Shield of the Americas,” a regional security initiative the administration plans to unveil Saturday in Doral.

“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump wrote.

“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” Trump added.

“I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,'” the president added.

The announcement marks the first major personnel shakeup of Trump’s second term and comes as the administration continues to focus heavily on border policy and national security priorities. While Trump framed the move as a transition rather than a dismissal, the sudden leadership change drew immediate attention in Washington, where Cabinet reshuffles often signal shifting priorities within an administration.

If confirmed, Mullin would take over one of the most high-profile positions in the federal government, overseeing border enforcement, immigration policy, cybersecurity efforts and disaster response across the United States.

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin

The shakeup comes after a turbulent week for Noem on Capitol Hill, where she faced intense questioning from lawmakers during congressional hearings examining her leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. According to multiple GOP sources, Trump had privately called Republican lawmakers earlier in the week to gauge whether replacing Noem would be politically feasible after the hearings drew widespread attention.

During one of the most tense exchanges, Sen. John Kennedy grilled Noem about a controversial $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign promoting immigration enforcement efforts. The advertising campaign became a focal point of the hearings after reports revealed the contract was awarded to an LLC that later subcontracted work to a firm run by the husband of former DHS spokesman Tricia McLaughlin, who has since resigned.

Noem also faced blistering criticism from Sen. Thom Tillis, who accused her of mismanaging the department and demanded accountability for several controversial enforcement actions.

“What we’ve seen is a disaster! Under your leadership, Ms. Noem — a disaster!” Tillis said during the hearing. “What we’ve seen is innocent people being detained.”

Meanwhile, Mullin — a former House member and undefeated professional MMA fighter — will step into one of the administration’s most high-profile national security roles.

Trump described the Oklahoma senator as a “MAGA Warrior” who understands the “Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda.”

“As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities,” Trump wrote.

The president said Mullin will focus on securing the border, combating migrant crime and drug trafficking, and strengthening the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. Mullin is expected to assume the role at the end of the month pending final administrative steps.