Homeland Security Chief Noem Defends Record After Trump Snub

Noem posts year-old praise for Trump after being ignored in Cabinet meeting

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has attempted damage control after President Donald Trump blanked her in the first Cabinet meeting of the year. Noem posted a thank you note to the president for a bill he signed one year ago, despite being snubbed by Trump in the Cabinet meeting. Noem also appeared on Fox News' Hannity to defend her record and praise Trump's decision to send border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis.

Why it matters

Noem's attempts to defend her record and praise Trump come after growing calls for her resignation or impeachment following the fatal shooting of two individuals by federal agents in Minneapolis. The snub by Trump and criticism from Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries highlight the political tensions surrounding Noem's leadership of the Department of Homeland Security.

The details

In the Cabinet meeting, Trump did not ask Noem to speak or even acknowledge her presence. After being snubbed, Noem posted on her X account to personally thank Trump for signing the Laken Riley Act one year ago. The act mandates detention of immigrants accused of certain crimes. Noem also appeared on Fox News' Hannity to defend her record, stating she is "following the law" and "enforcing the laws" as Trump promised. Trump told reporters Noem was doing a "very good job" and would keep her position.

  • On January 29, 2025, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act.
  • On February 22, 2024, 22-year-old Laken Riley was murdered while jogging in Athens, Georgia.
  • On Thursday, January 30, 2026, Noem posted her thank you note to Trump on X.
  • On Thursday, January 30, 2026, Noem appeared on Fox News' Hannity.

The players

Kristi Noem

The 54-year-old Homeland Security Secretary who has faced calls to resign or face impeachment after federal agents shot and killed two individuals in Minneapolis.

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former President who blanked Noem in a Cabinet meeting and later told reporters she was doing a "very good job" and would keep her position.

Hakeem Jeffries

The Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives who called Noem "disgraceful" and said she "needs to be put on ice permanently".

Tom Homan

The border czar that Trump sent to Minneapolis in an attempt to de-escalate the situation with protesting citizens.

Laken Riley

The 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered while jogging in Athens, Georgia on February 22, 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We can never bring Laken back, but we can do everything in our power to bring these heinous criminals to justice. I am so proud of what our brave men and women of ICE have done to remove these criminals from America's streets.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary

“She's got to go. We are dead serious She needs to be put on ice permanently. She's got to go.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives

“I am grateful that the president had to the wisdom to send Tom Homan there. We have been asking them to do this for months and they have refused to agree. We hope Tom has an opportunity to restart the conversations and see if we can get them to help clean up the streets of Minneapolis.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary

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.