President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) will take over as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, effective March 31, replacing outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem.
Trump made the announcement via Truth Social, confirming Noem’s departure and praising her tenure while simultaneously elevating Mullin to one of the most consequential roles in the federal government.
“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Noem faced back-to-back Congressional oversight hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday, during which lawmakers questioned her leadership of the department.
The hearings followed two fatal shootings in Minnesota linked to DHS’ Operation Metro Surge, as well as reports of an alleged affair between Noem and her senior adviser, Corey Lewandowski.
Inside DHS and ICE headquarters, news of Noem’s ouster was reportedly met with open celebration.
“Everyone is happy, lots of smiles,” said one source at department headquarters.
“Morale had taken a hit. There’s a feeling among a lot of folks here that the department can finally reset and refocus on operations instead of internal turmoil.”
An ICE official described the scene as one of crowds celebrating, with phone calls, texts and people stopping by to mark the moment.
A DHS insider told the Daily Mail that Trump had been considering the move for several days, but that Noem’s Senate testimony Tuesday “gave him cover” to act immediately.
Sources also indicated that Lewandowski is expected to exit as well, with one insider stating: “He will go because he knows Mullin will toss him.”
Trump announced that the Shield of the Americas is a new Western Hemisphere security initiative set to be formally unveiled Saturday in Doral, Florida.
Noem responded to her reassignment Thursday on X, expressing gratitude toward Trump and signaling she intends to work alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in her new role.
“I look forward to working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren,” Noem wrote.
Noem also listed what she described as accomplishments during her time leading DHS, including what she called the most secure border in American history, the departure of 3 million illegal aliens from the United States, the location of 145,000 children, faster FEMA disaster relief and $13 billion in taxpayer savings.
Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reported Thursday that Lewandowski, Noem’s senior adviser, is expected to leave DHS alongside her, citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter.
Mullin’s nomination to lead DHS will vacate his Senate seat, leaving Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt with the authority to appoint a replacement. Stitt quickly voiced support for Mullin following the announcement.
“Markwayne Mullin has been a fighter for Oklahoma and will fight to keep our nation secure. There isn’t a better choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security,” Stitt wrote on X.
