Kristi Noem's Chaotic Tenure at Homeland Security Sparks Outrage

The South Dakota governor's controversial leadership at DHS has become a political gift for Democrats.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota, has faced intense criticism for her management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since being appointed to the role by former President Trump. Her actions, including redirecting Coast Guard search and rescue flights to deportation missions and labeling peaceful protests as 'domestic terrorism', have sparked outrage and calls for her removal from the position.

Why it matters

Noem's controversial tenure at DHS has become a political liability for Republicans, providing Democrats with a constant stream of damaging headlines and footage that could hurt the GOP's chances in the upcoming midterm elections. Her divisive leadership has raised concerns about the agency's priorities and the treatment of immigrants under her watch.

The details

Under Noem's leadership, more than 750 Coast Guard flights have reportedly been redirected from search and rescue operations to deportation runs, with guidance at one air station moving the transportation of detained immigrants to first priority and demoting search and rescue. Noem also faced backlash for her response to incidents in Minneapolis, where she labeled the participation of protesters at a peaceful demonstration as 'domestic terrorism' before an investigation had even begun. The fallout was so severe that it prompted a public vote of no-confidence from former President Trump, who dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to take personal charge of the Twin Cities crackdown.

  • In January 2025, Kristi Noem was confirmed as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Just days after Noem's confirmation, a 23-year-old Coast Guardsman fell overboard into the Pacific, prompting a search and rescue operation. Noem ordered a C-130 aircraft scheduled to assist in the search to be pulled from the mission in order to prioritize a deportation run.
  • In February 2026, Noem's chief spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, announced her resignation, stating that the departure had been planned since December 2025.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Republican governor of South Dakota who was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security by former President Trump.

Tricia McLaughlin

Noem's chief spokesperson at the Department of Homeland Security, who resigned in February 2026 after just 10 months in the role.

Tom Homan

The Border Czar who was dispatched by former President Trump to take personal charge of the crackdown in Minneapolis, effectively sidelining Noem.

Corey Lewandowski

A 'special government employee' who appears to have a close personal relationship with Noem, with reports of the two traveling together and residing in proximate DHS-leased housing.

Stephen Miller

The former Trump advisor known as the 'Minister of Evil', who is believed to be the driving force behind the inhumane agenda that Noem is carrying out at DHS.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Noem's controversial tenure at DHS has become a political liability for Republicans, providing Democrats with a constant stream of damaging headlines and footage that could hurt the GOP's chances in the upcoming midterm elections. Her divisive leadership has raised concerns about the agency's priorities and the treatment of immigrants under her watch, and her actions have even prompted a public vote of no-confidence from former President Trump.