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Trump Ousts Kristi Noem from Homeland Security Post
Former South Dakota governor faced criticism over her handling of ICE operations and self-promotion
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, a move that comes after Noem faced criticism for her handling of ICE operations in Minnesota and allegations of using the role to promote herself rather than serve the president and the country.
Why it matters
Noem's ouster is seen as the first major shakeup in Trump's second-term Cabinet, signaling the president's desire to have a team focused on his agenda rather than individual self-promotion. The Minnesota ICE incident, which led to two deaths, also raised concerns about Noem's judgment and competence in the role.
The details
Noem came under fire for her management of ICE operations in Minnesota, where tensions escalated and led to the shooting deaths of two individuals. Critics accused Noem of being overly aggressive in her approach and prioritizing her own image as a "cowgirl" over the safety of federal agents and the public. She also faced allegations of awarding no-bid contracts to companies with ties to her associates to produce promotional ads featuring herself.
- In January 2026, Trump sidelined Noem from ICE operations in Minnesota.
- On March 5, 2026, Noem was removed from her position as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The players
Kristi Noem
The former governor of South Dakota who served as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under President Trump.
Corey Lewandowski
A top subordinate of Noem at the Department of Homeland Security, with whom she was accused of having an intimate relationship.
Renee Good
An individual who was killed during the ICE operations in Minnesota that Noem oversaw.
Alex Pretti
An individual who was killed during the ICE operations in Minnesota that Noem oversaw.
Tom Homan
The Border Czar who took over the ICE operations in Minnesota after Noem's handling of the situation.
What they’re saying
“Hooray to President Donald Trump for booting Kristi Noem from the Department of Homeland Security, a move that comes not a moment too soon.”
— Post Editorial Board (nypost.com)
“She'd made it all too clear that she saw the job as being about serving herself and her image, not the president or the nation.”
— Post Editorial Board (nypost.com)
What’s next
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is expected to take over as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The takeaway
Noem's ouster signals President Trump's desire to have a Cabinet focused on his agenda rather than individual self-promotion. The Minnesota ICE incident and other controversies surrounding Noem's tenure raised concerns about her judgment and competence in the role.
