Trump Dismisses Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

On Thursday, Donald Trump announced the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following growing criticism of her leadership, especially concerning immigration enforcement and disaster management. Trump made the announcement via social media, naming Markwayne Mullin as her nominee for replacement.

This decision comes after Noem faced intense questioning from lawmakers on Capitol Hill over her handling of a $220 million ad campaign urging undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, which was a response to the shooting death of two protesters in Minneapolis earlier in the year. Trump praised Noem's work on border security and referred to her reassignment as a "spectacular" result.

Noem, a former governor of South Dakota, acknowledged her new role but did not comment on her dismissal. White House Press Secretary Karolin Leavitt stated that the administration would seek swift Senate confirmation for Mullin, although it remains uncertain how quickly the Senate will act on the nomination.

Noem is the first cabinet secretary to leave during Trump's second term.