President Donald Trump is reportedly furious with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after her performance this week in congressional hearings, sources tell NBC News.
Lawmakers and White House insiders say Trump is seriously considering replacing her, though no final decision has been made.
Noem, who has overseen Trump’s signature immigration policies, faced a grilling from both House and Senate committees over her leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.
The hearings focused on her approval of a $220 million ad campaign aimed at encouraging immigrants to self-deport.
Questions about her decision-making and oversight of contracts left the president “pissed,” according to Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy (R).
Trump reportedly told lawmakers that he is unhappy with Noem’s testimony. At one point, Noem claimed Trump knew about the ad campaign contracts, a statement that contradicted the White House’s version.
White House officials clarified that Trump did not approve the contracts and expressed frustration that Noem gave a different account during questioning.
“His recollection and her recollection are different,” Kennedy said. “I can assure you, he is not happy with her. She did horrible in the hearings and has made a lot of errors.”
The president has already discussed potential replacements with Republican senators, including Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Steve Daines of Montana.
Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) has also expressed interest in the role. Trump has not committed to any decision, but insiders say the discussions signal serious consideration of a shakeup at DHS.
Noem’s position has drawn bipartisan scrutiny in recent months. She faced criticism over her handling of immigration enforcement shootings in Minneapolis and the controversial ad campaign, which some lawmakers said was awarded through a limited competitive process.
Democrats and some Republicans alike questioned whether her decisions put Americans at risk and undermined the integrity of the department.
Despite mounting criticism, Noem remains in her post.
DHS released a statement defending her record: “Secretary Noem serves at the pleasure of the President. She is honored to serve the American people and lead DHS. Under her leadership, we have the most secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens left the United States, and we now have the lowest murder rate in 125 years.”
Trump’s potential ouster of Noem would mark the first Cabinet exit in his second term. It also comes amid broader DHS challenges, including a partial shutdown that began Feb. 13, affecting TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and cybersecurity operations.
Lawmakers are negotiating with the administration to reopen the department fully, and Noem’s departure could influence those talks.
Democrats are weighing the impact of a new secretary. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) suggested firing Noem could facilitate negotiations over reforms in ICE and border enforcement.
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine (D) said the effect would depend on who replaced her and whether they were seen as competent.
Noem has defended her record, emphasizing her leadership in securing the U.S. border and enforcing immigration laws. Sources say Trump’s frustration escalated this week due to her testimony, particularly over her handling of contracts and oversight responsibilities.
For now, Noem remains at the helm of DHS, but her future appears uncertain. The president’s advisers continue to weigh options, and Republicans are reportedly discussing replacements.
Trump’s next moves will determine whether DHS sees a major shakeup or Noem retains her post despite growing scrutiny.
