DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Fired by Trump

Reasons for dismissal remain unclear, but include allegations of misconduct and mismanagement

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, was fired by President Donald Trump today. The reasons for her dismissal are still unclear, but may include allegations of giving a no-bid $143 million DHS contract to her friends, a reported long-term sexual relationship with a former Trump campaign official, lack of oversight of agencies like ICE and CBP, and the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal immigration agents on her watch. Rather than firing her outright, Trump has appointed Noem to a new role as "Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas", a position with an unclear mandate.

Why it matters

Noem's dismissal from DHS comes after two days of brutal Congressional testimony, including questioning from some Republican lawmakers. Her tenure at DHS was marked by controversy, including allegations of misconduct and mismanagement. The appointment of a new DHS Secretary, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, raises further questions about the agency's leadership and direction.

The details

According to reports, Noem was fired from her position as DHS Secretary for a variety of reasons, including giving a lucrative no-bid contract to her friends, an alleged long-term sexual relationship with former Trump campaign chair Corey Lewandowski, lack of oversight of agencies like ICE and CBP, and the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal immigration agents in January. Rather than firing her outright, Trump has appointed Noem to a new role as "Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas", a position with an unclear mandate.

  • Noem was fired by President Trump on March 5, 2026.
  • Noem had testified before both the U.S. House and Senate in the days leading up to her dismissal.

The players

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who was fired by President Trump amid allegations of misconduct and mismanagement.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who fired Kristi Noem from her position as DHS Secretary and appointed her to a new role as "Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas".

Corey Lewandowski

A former Trump campaign chair who was allegedly involved in a long-term sexual relationship with Kristi Noem while she was DHS Secretary.

Renee Good

An American citizen who was murdered by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, during Noem's tenure as DHS Secretary.

Alex Pretti

An American citizen who was murdered by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, during Noem's tenure as DHS Secretary.

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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)

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.