In the wake of a contentious Senate hearing, President Donald Trump announced on March 5, 2026, the replacement of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, effective March 31 pending Senate confirmation. Noem shifts to Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, amid criticism over immigration enforcement and a controversial ad campaign.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social announcing Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin as his nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security. "Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN," Trump wrote. He praised Noem's border security achievements. Noem responded on X, thanking Trump and looking forward to working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth against cartels.
The move follows a March 3 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing (see prior coverage) where Noem faced bipartisan scrutiny over Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis—resulting in the deaths of U.S. citizens Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents—and a $220 million self-deportation ad campaign awarded with limited competition to firms linked to her allies. Trump denied prior knowledge of the ads.
Mullin, a Cherokee Nation member who joined the Senate in 2023 after House service, sits on Appropriations and Armed Services committees. A former MMA fighter, he called the nomination "humbling" but anticipates challenges with Sen. Rand Paul.
Democrats like Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized Noem, while Republicans including Sens. Lindsey Graham and Thom Tillis backed the change. Noem spoke at a Nashville law enforcement conference post-announcement, highlighting deportations without noting her reassignment.
DHS remains under partial shutdown since February 14, furloughing 100,000 employees. Noem's tenure saw 605,000 deportations and expanded detention.
