Trump Reportedly Considering Firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

The former South Dakota governor's tense exchanges with GOP senators have angered the president, according to White House insiders.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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According to reports, former President Donald Trump has been quietly asking Republican lawmakers if he should fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a Trump loyalist who has faced criticism from both Democratic and Republican senators during recent congressional hearings. Trump was said to be particularly upset by Noem's response to questioning from Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) about a government-funded ad campaign that featured Noem prominently.

Why it matters

Noem's potential ouster would mark a rare instance of Trump firing one of his own appointees during his second term, as the former president has largely surrounded himself with MAGA loyalists who are unlikely to challenge him. The move could also signal growing tensions between Trump and some traditional conservatives within the Republican Party.

The details

According to Punchbowl News, Trump called some GOP senators following Noem's early March testimony in two congressional hearings, where she faced "extraordinarily bitter exchanges" with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, especially over the Trump administration's harsh immigration policies. Trump was said to be especially upset about Noem's response when Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) pressed her about a government-funded ad campaign that Kennedy said only served to boost Noem's personal name recognition nationally. Under questioning, Noem said repeatedly that Trump personally approved the controversial ad blitz featuring her.

  • On March 3, 2026, Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • On March 4, 2026, Noem testified before the House Judiciary Committee.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is reportedly considering firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary and former governor of South Dakota who has faced criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers during recent congressional hearings.

John Kennedy

A Republican senator from Louisiana who pressed Noem about a government-funded ad campaign that he said only served to boost her personal name recognition.

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What they’re saying

“President Donald Trump has quietly asked Hill Republicans if he should fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the latest sign of her tenuous standing inside the West Wing, according to multiple Republicans who have spoken with the president.”

— Jake Sherman, Punchbowl News reporter (Punchbowl News)

“Even Speaker Mike Johnson speculated about the potential for a change at the top of DHS during a recent House Republican elected leadership retreat in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.”

— Jake Sherman, Punchbowl News reporter (Punchbowl News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.