U.S. President Donald Trump has removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her post following mounting criticism over immigration policies, disaster response, and a controversial advertising campaign. Trump also announced that Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin would be nominated as her replacement.

Intense questioning in Congress

The decision came shortly after Kristi Noem faced intense questioning during a hearing in the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties pressed the Homeland Security Secretary on the department’s handling of immigration enforcement and its response to natural disasters.

During the hearing, members of Congress criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s policies and demanded detailed explanations regarding operational decisions and the agency’s strategy in managing border security and emergency response.

$220 million ad campaign sparks controversy

A major point of criticism centered on a $220 million advertising campaign designed to encourage undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States.

The campaign prominently featured Kristi Noem in several promotional videos, including scenes showing her riding a horse near Mount Rushmore in her home state of South Dakota. Critics argued that the ads focused more on the secretary’s public image than on delivering clear policy messaging.

During congressional questioning, Kristi Noem told lawmakers that Donald Trump had been informed about the campaign beforehand. However, Trump later denied this claim in an interview with Reuters.

“I absolutely knew nothing about it.” Donald Trump

New assignment after dismissal

Despite removing her from the cabinet post, Donald Trump stated that Kristi Noem would remain within the administration. According to Trump, she will serve as a special envoy for the “America Shield Initiative,” a security program focused on strengthening cooperation and security efforts across the Western Hemisphere.

Kristi Noem thus became the first cabinet member to leave office during Trump’s second presidential term, bringing to an end a turbulent period marked by legal challenges and public protests over the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.