Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Taps Senator Markwayne Mullin as Replacement
Jamaica Live International News– | Mar 5, 2026
President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, saying he will nominate Markwayne Mullin to take over leadership of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Trump made the announcement on social media just two days after Noem faced intense questioning from both Republicans and Democrats during a heated congressional hearing on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers grilled the former South Dakota governor over a series of controversies surrounding her leadership of the department, including the agency’s use of a luxury aircraft and rumors about her relationship with a political adviser.
Noem’s removal follows mounting criticism of her management of the department and her aggressive enforcement of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The controversy deepened after two American citizens were reportedly killed by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota earlier this year, triggering scrutiny from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates.
Her position became increasingly precarious after the Senate hearing earlier this week, when members of both parties sharply questioned her decisions at the helm of the agency. Among the issues raised was the department’s lease of a luxury Boeing 737 MAX jet reportedly outfitted with high-end amenities, including a private bedroom, showers, a bar, and multiple bidets. The aircraft, which Noem had argued was necessary for high-profile deportations and Cabinet-level travel, is estimated to cost about $70 million if fully purchased.
During the hearing, Sheldon Whitehouse confronted Noem with images of the aircraft’s bedroom, questioning why such accommodations would be necessary for deportation operations. Noem responded that she had only been on the aircraft once and said it was undergoing refurbishment that would remove the bedroom area.
The hearing also reignited long-running speculation about an alleged affair between Noem and political adviser Corey Lewandowski. Reports in several media outlets claimed the pair frequently traveled together on the aircraft, though both Noem and Lewandowski have repeatedly denied any romantic relationship, with officials dismissing the allegations as unfounded gossip.
Noem’s firing makes her the first Cabinet secretary removed during Trump’s second term in the White House. The development is notable because the administration had, until now, experienced relatively little turnover in top posts compared with Trump’s first term, which saw a revolving door of senior officials.
Trump has nominated Senator Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma and a close ally, to replace Noem at Homeland Security. Mullin is expected to face a Senate confirmation process in the coming weeks as the administration seeks to stabilize leadership at one of the government’s most powerful and controversial agencies.
