Trump Criticizes Noem's $220M Self-Deportation Ad Campaign

President says he "wasn't thrilled" with the costly campaign, but praises Noem's overall performance as Homeland Security Secretary.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In his first public comments since firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump suggested her dismissal was less about her job performance and more about elevating Sen. Markwayne Mullin to the Cabinet post. While Trump was complimentary of Noem's tenure, he was critical of her $220 million ad campaign encouraging immigrants to self-deport, saying "I spent less money than that to become president."

Why it matters

Noem's dismissal comes amid scrutiny over her handling of several high-profile immigration enforcement issues, including the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens during an operation in Minneapolis. Trump's comments provide insight into the factors behind her ouster and the administration's shifting priorities on immigration policy.

The details

Trump praised Noem's overall performance as Homeland Security Secretary, but was critical of her approval of a $220 million ad campaign encouraging immigrants to self-deport. He said "I wasn't thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president." Noem had told a Senate committee that Trump was aware of the ad campaign, but the president disputed that, saying "I didn't know about it." Noem was also facing scrutiny over her handling of other immigration enforcement issues, including the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens during an operation in Minneapolis.

  • On March 6, 2026, President Trump announced that Kristi Noem would be replaced as Homeland Security Secretary by Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
  • Earlier this week, Noem faced questioning from Sen. John Kennedy about the $220 million self-deportation ad campaign during congressional testimony.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who fired Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary and appointed Markwayne Mullin to replace her.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary who was dismissed by President Trump, despite his praise for her overall job performance.

Markwayne Mullin

The Oklahoma Senator who President Trump has appointed to replace Kristi Noem as the new Homeland Security Secretary.

John Kennedy

The Republican Senator from Louisiana who questioned Noem about the $220 million self-deportation ad campaign during congressional testimony.

Alex Pretti and Renee Good

Two U.S. citizens who were fatally shot during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, which raised further scrutiny of Noem's handling of the issue.

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What they’re saying

“She's a fine person. She did a good job. I'm a big fan of the senator from Oklahoma. It wasn't a hard choice.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (NBC News)

“I wasn't thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president. I didn't know about it.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (NBC 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.