Trump dismisses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in first cabinet change of second term

US President Donald Trump dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5, 2026. The 54-year-old, a key figure in his aggressive immigration policies, departed amid rising tensions within the Republican Party. This is the first cabinet dismissal of Trump's second term. See related coverage on her replacement.

President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, March 5, 2026, marking a significant shift in his administration. Noem had been the public face and enforcer of Trump's hardline migration policies, earning his praise for her loyalty despite intensifying criticism from within the Republican Party.

Trump, known for resisting external pressure from Democrats and media, held firm on Noem until GOP discontent peaked. Previously, no cabinet members had been fired in his second term, underscoring his preference for steadfast allies.

The move highlights internal Republican dynamics and raises questions about future stability in key administration roles. Further developments, including Noem's next assignment and successor nomination, are covered in this series.

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Oval Office scene depicting President Trump firing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and nominating Sen. Markwayne Mullin amid immigration controversy.
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Trump fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, nominates Sen. Markwayne Mullin as replacement

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President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and nominated Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as her replacement on March 5, 2026, effective March 31 pending Senate confirmation. The move follows bipartisan criticism of Noem's handling of immigration enforcement, including deadly incidents in Minnesota and a controversial $200-220 million ad campaign. Noem transitions to Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning from Republican senators during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on March 3, 2026. Lawmakers pressed her on a $220 million ad campaign encouraging illegal immigrants to self-deport, potential conflicts in contracts, and her handling of fatal shootings in Minneapolis. The testimony occurred amid a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

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Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, is departing the agency after serving as a key defender of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Her exit comes amid a shutdown at DHS and congressional scrutiny over recent shootings by immigration officers. McLaughlin announced that her deputy, Lauren Bis, will succeed her in the role.

President Donald Trump has acknowledged that his administration's mass deportation efforts may require a gentler approach following the fatal shootings of two anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis. The incidents, involving federal immigration agents killing Renee Good and Alex Pretti, prompted a leadership change and a reduction in agent presence in the area. Officials are now emphasizing targeted arrests amid heightened protests and calls for reform.

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Following the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti during a Border Patrol operation—detailed in prior coverage—White House border czar Tom Homan arrived in Minneapolis to redirect immigration enforcement toward serious criminals, amid backlash against aggressive tactics by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and reassigned Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino.

As President Donald Trump's second term marks its first anniversary on January 20, 2026—following domestic reforms like the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), mass federal layoffs, and immigration crackdowns—his 'America First' foreign policy has triggered widespread international upheaval. Tariffs hitting India with up to 50% levies, military interventions, and exits from global institutions have strained economies and alliances worldwide. (Part of the 'Trump's Second Term: Year One' series.)

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In a year-end review, NPR analysts examined President Donald Trump's second term, highlighting initial unity in the Republican Party that has since fractured. As 2026 approaches, concerns over policy execution and party divisions loom large ahead of midterm elections. The discussion also touched on Trump's age and potential succession questions.

 

 

 

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