Breaking: Trump Reportedly Preparing to Fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
Is Kristi Noem leaving DHS? Trump reportedly eyes replacements like Markwayne Mullin and Steve Daines amid bipartisan calls for the Secretary's resignation.
President Donald Trump is preparing to dismiss Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, according to multiple reports published on March 5, 2026, citing advisers and sources familiar with his thinking.
This development marks a potential first Cabinet shakeup in Trump's second term, stemming from ongoing controversies surrounding Noem's leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Key details:
WSJ Reporting: The Wall Street Journal cited advisers saying Trump is actively preparing to fire Noem and has begun soliciting names of potential replacements from aides and congressional Republicans.
The move follows bipartisan criticism of her handling of immigration enforcement, including fatal shootings in Minneapolis and internal DHS chaos.
NBC Confirmation: NBC News corroborated similar frustrations, noting Trump has grown increasingly displeased with Noem's performance during recent congressional hearings on March 3-4, 2026, where she defended a $220 million ad campaign for self-deportation without competitive bidding.
Sources say Trump was angered by her implication that he approved the contracts, which White House officials deny. While no final decision has been made, Trump has discussed replacements, including Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah).
Broader Context: Noem's tenure has been marred by scandals, including reports of staff mistreatment, polygraph tests for employees, and a pilot's firing over a misplaced blanket.
Bipartisan calls for her resignation or impeachment have intensified, with figures like Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) urging action.
Trump had previously defended Noem publicly, stating as recently as February 5, 2026, that he had "no plans" to remove her and she was doing a "very good job."
The story is developing rapidly on social media, with X posts amplifying the WSJ and NBC reports.
White House and DHS spokespeople have not yet responded to requests for comment. If confirmed, Noem's exit would highlight tensions within the administration over immigration policy and agency management.