Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, is set to depart from her role at the end of the month, prompting a wave of reflection on her tumultuous tenure.
On Thursday, the President confirmed that Noem would be succeeded by Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma, effective March 31, 2026. “I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS),” he stated on Truth Social.
While the President acknowledged Noem’s service, he also noted her new position as 'Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.' This transition comes amid a backdrop of controversy and criticism surrounding her leadership.
Noem’s time at DHS has been marred by scandal and aggressive policies that have drawn scrutiny. Just this week, she faced backlash during hearings on Capitol Hill, where she claimed the President had approved a contentious government ad campaign featuring herself.
Her controversial image was further solidified when she donned a Border Patrol uniform and brandished a firearm, earning her the moniker "ICE Barbie." This branding was a result of her peculiar choice of outfits during promotional events for the department.
Rumors about a long-term affair with Corey Lewandowski, a Trump strategist and DHS employee, have circulated for years. When questioned about their relationship during her recent hearing, Noem dismissed inquiries as “garbage” and “offensive,” despite being married to Byron Noem.
In an incident last May, Lewandowski allegedly attempted to access a government aircraft's cockpit to retrieve what was described as Noem’s beloved heated blanket. Reports suggest he threatened crew members when they refused to turn back for her belongings, which were rumored to contain embarrassing items.
Noem’s media strategies have also drawn ire. Late-night host Stephen Colbert criticized her for fabricating a bizarre story about an immigrant on a deportation flight allegedly eating himself. Officials within her own department later confirmed that the tale was entirely fictional.
One of her most shocking remarks followed the death of Renee Good, a Minnesota woman shot by an ICE agent. Noem labeled Good’s attempt to move her car away from agents as an “act of domestic terrorism,” a statement that sparked outrage across the nation.
During an appearance on CNN's State of the Union, Noem reviewed footage of Good’s tragic death while smirking, further inciting public anger. This was not an isolated incident; shortly after, another Minnesotan, Alex Pretti, was killed by Border Patrol agents. Noem again referred to Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” a claim she later denied during congressional hearings.
Despite claiming she relied on initial information when making these statements, Noem did not apologize for her comments. This response marked a significant moment in her tenure, leading to intensified calls for her resignation.
