Kristi Noem, the former Governor of South Dakota, will be replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma.
By Catholics for Catholics
President Donald Trump replaced the embattled head of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, with a Senator from Oklahoma, to helm the organization that has been at the spotlight during the current immigration enforcement wars.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, will be taking charge of Homeland Security by the end of the month, Trump said. Noem, the feisty former Governor of South Dakota, will be heading a newly formed position as a “Special Envoy,” according to a story by The Epoch Times.
“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,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
The move to replace Noem with Mullin will take place on March 31, he said.
Trump said that Noem “served us well” and had “numerous and spectacular results,” namely with respect to the U.S.–Mexico border’s security. The special envoy position will be announced in an event on Saturday in Doral, Florida, the president added.
Mullin said in a live interview with an ABC News reporter, responding to Trump’s announcement that he’s “super excited about this opportunity” and added he’s “great friends” with Trump.
“I wasn’t expecting the call today,” he told the news outlet, adding that he is “ready to get started” and his “focus is to keep the homeland secure.”
However, Mullin praised Noem “as a friend” and said he supported her role as head of the DHS, adding she had a grim job to carry out.
Mullin said he and the Trump administration will now work toward getting confirmed in the Senate and will speak with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
"Fulfill our duty to protect American citizens, that they should come first under our Constitution."
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) March 5, 2026
Kristi Noem speaks in Nashville after being ousted as DHS Secretary by President Trump. pic.twitter.com/o4lKYukg91
Noem’s parting as the leader of DHS comes in the middle of a chaotic time for the department, happening weeks after federal immigration agents took part in two shooting deaths in Minneapolis after officers were sent to the city in swarms.
In one instance, during an appearance before the House Judiciary Committee on March 3, Noem was questioned about the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis during clashes in January. Democratic lawmakers blasted her for the department’s efforts in the city—as well as other efforts targeting illegal immigration—and claimed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have used excessive force.
Nevertheless, Noem supported her department and the efforts to crush illegal immigration, saying that ICE agents are enforcing the law in the face of violent demonstrations. Several Republicans in the hearing championed her claims and said that she is struggling to deal with mass illegal immigration that was not dealt with under the previous presidential administration.
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