Fox News Surprised by 'Rattled' Kristi Noem Remarks After Ouster

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared unsettled during a speech after being fired by President Trump.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Fox News host John Roberts described Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as "rattled" moments after President Donald Trump fired her. Roberts' network broadcast remarks by Noem as news broke that she would be replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Roberts noted that Noem, who was giving a speech at a conference, seemed uncharacteristically flustered and made a few mistakes in her delivery, which is unusual for her.

Why it matters

Noem's apparent unease during the speech after being fired suggests the dismissal may have caught her off guard, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her ouster and the transition of power at the Department of Homeland Security.

The details

As Noem was speaking, Fox News cut to live video of Mullin on the phone as he entered an elevator at the U.S. Capitol. Mullin insisted "I'll be back," leading Roberts to wonder if Mullin was actually on the phone or just pretending to be in order to avoid talking to someone.

  • On March 5, 2026, President Trump fired Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.

The players

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary who was fired by President Trump and appeared rattled during a speech shortly after the news broke.

Markwayne Mullin

The Republican Senator from Oklahoma who was named as Noem's replacement as Homeland Security Secretary.

John Roberts

The Fox News host who commented on Noem's unusual demeanor during her speech after being fired.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who fired Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.

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What they’re saying

“That was weird with Kristi Noem, or what? I mean, I assume that she knew. And if she did, that was really demonstrating the art of compartmentalization because she was there before the Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York in Nashville at a conference, giving a speech at the major city's conference.”

— John Roberts, Fox News Host (rawstory.com)

“And to me, she seemed a little rattled, because she usually doesn't make any mistakes when she delivers a speech. And she was making a few there.”

— John Roberts, Fox News Host (rawstory.com)

“I'll be back.”

— Markwayne Mullin (rawstory.com)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Noem's dismissal will impact the leadership and direction of the Department of Homeland Security under the new secretary, Markwayne Mullin.

The takeaway

Noem's apparent unease during the speech after being fired suggests the dismissal may have caught her off guard, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her ouster and the transition of power at the Department of Homeland Security.