Trump Considering Replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

President reportedly unhappy with Noem's congressional testimony, looking at potential replacements

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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President Donald Trump has grown frustrated with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and has begun to consider possible replacements, according to lawmakers and people familiar with the discussions. Trump has told Republican lawmakers that he is unhappy with Noem's testimony this week before House and Senate committees, particularly her response when asked about approving $220 million in ad contracts to encourage immigrants to self-deport.

Why it matters

Noem's potential ouster would mark the first Cabinet secretary to exit in Trump's second term. The Homeland Security Department is a key agency overseeing immigration policy, one of the president's top priorities. Any change in leadership could signal a shift in the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.

The details

Trump was particularly frustrated by Noem's response when she was repeatedly asked about her role in approving the $220 million ad campaign contracts, which went out through a process that limited competitive bidding. At one point, Noem told Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., that Trump knew about her decision to approve the ad campaign - an answer that did not sit well with the president, according to the sources. The White House has already discussed names of potential replacements for Noem, including Republican Sens. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Steve Daines of Montana.

  • This week, Trump has been speaking with Republican lawmakers about his displeasure with Noem.
  • Noem testified before House and Senate committees this week.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is considering replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who has faced criticism from President Trump over her congressional testimony this week.

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican Senator from Oklahoma who has been discussed as a potential replacement for Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.

Steve Daines

A Republican Senator from Montana who has been discussed as a potential replacement for Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, though he recently announced he will not seek re-election.

John Kennedy

A Republican Senator from Louisiana who questioned Noem about her role in approving $220 million in ad contracts during her congressional testimony.

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What’s next

If Trump were to replace Noem, it would mark the first Cabinet secretary to exit in his second term. The White House has already discussed names of potential replacements, including Republican Senators Markwayne Mullin and Steve Daines, though no successor has been chosen at this time.

The takeaway

Noem's potential ouster as Homeland Security Secretary would signal a shift in the Trump administration's approach to immigration policy, one of the president's key priorities. Any change in leadership at the department could have significant implications for the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.