Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin to leave job next week

McLaughlin, a vocal supporter of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, is departing amid funding lapse and controversy over Minneapolis operation

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Tricia McLaughlin, spokeswoman for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is leaving her job next week, according to two DHS officials. McLaughlin, a former communications aide for political campaigns, has been a vocal supporter of Noem and the department's immigration operations despite public backlash over some actions.

Why it matters

McLaughlin's departure comes as the DHS faces a funding lapse and scrutiny over its controversial Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, which resulted in the killings of two civilians. The White House has shifted to a more nuanced approach on immigration, with border czar Tom Homan taking over the Minneapolis operation.

The details

McLaughlin, who is from Cincinnati, Ohio, planned to leave her job in December but stayed on in the aftermath of the Minneapolis shootings. She has been a strong defender of Noem and the department's immigration policies, despite public criticism. The DHS has not yet named a replacement for McLaughlin.

  • McLaughlin plans to tell her coworkers about her departure on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • McLaughlin originally planned to leave her job in December 2025 but stayed on following the Minneapolis shootings.

The players

Tricia McLaughlin

Spokeswoman for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and a former communications aide for political campaigns.

Kristi Noem

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Tom Homan

Border czar who has taken over the Minneapolis operation for the Department of Homeland Security.

Renee Good

Civilian killed during the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

Civilian killed during the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“Media is so much of the battle, so to speak, on the immigration issue. So much of the debate is a [public relations] debate. It's a PR war.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Spokeswoman, Department of Homeland Security (Cincinnati Enquirer)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet announced who will replace Tricia McLaughlin as spokeswoman for Secretary Kristi Noem.

The takeaway

McLaughlin's departure comes at a critical time for the Department of Homeland Security, as it faces a funding lapse and ongoing controversy over its aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, particularly the deadly Minneapolis operation. Her exit signals a potential shift in the department's public messaging approach under the new border czar, Tom Homan.