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Trump Dismisses Kristi Noem's Ouster as Elevating Markwayne Mullin
The former president was critical of Noem's $220M self-deportation ad campaign but praised her overall performance as Homeland Security Secretary.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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In a phone call with NBC News, former President Donald Trump suggested that the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was less about her job performance and more about elevating Sen. Markwayne Mullin to the Cabinet post. Trump was complimentary of Noem's tenure, but criticized her $220 million ad campaign encouraging immigrants to self-deport, saying "I wasn't thrilled with it." Noem faced scrutiny over the campaign and other issues during congressional testimony this week.
Why it matters
Noem's ouster highlights the political dynamics within the Trump administration and the former president's willingness to make personnel changes, even for officials he generally praised. The self-deportation ad campaign also raised concerns about the administration's immigration enforcement tactics and policies.
The details
During congressional testimony this week, Noem was grilled by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., about the $220 million ad campaign encouraging immigrants to self-deport. Noem told Kennedy that Trump knew about her decision to approve the campaign, which involved contracts that limited competitive bidding. Noem also faced questions about the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, as well as erroneous detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- On March 6, 2026, Trump spoke with NBC News about Noem's dismissal.
- Earlier this week, Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The players
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States.
Kristi Noem
The former Homeland Security Secretary who was dismissed from her role.
Markwayne Mullin
A Republican Senator from Oklahoma who Trump is elevating to a Cabinet post.
John Kennedy
A Republican Senator from Louisiana who grilled Noem during congressional testimony.
Alex Pretti and Renee Good
Two U.S. citizens who were shot and killed during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
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 (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 (NBC News)
What’s next
Noem is staying in the Trump administration in a new role called 'Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,' which Trump described as a position that will lead 'our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere.'
The takeaway
Noem's dismissal highlights the political dynamics within the Trump administration, where personnel changes can be driven by factors beyond just job performance. The self-deportation ad campaign also raised concerns about the administration's immigration enforcement tactics and policies, which will likely continue to be scrutinized.
