'Historic accomplishments': Kristi Noem puts positive spin on DHS ouster



President Donald Trump declared Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would soon no longer lead the agency.

Trump announced that Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) will take over for Noem on March 31, adding that she would be tapped as the special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere.

'In this new role, I will be able to build on the partnerships and national security expertise, I forged over the last 13 months as Secretary of Homeland Security.'

Trump's decision followed reports that he had been displeased with Noem's performance for months, rumors the White House rejected in December. Speculation emerged that Noem's removal was a result of her testimony before House and Senate committees earlier this week, during which she claimed the president approved a $220 million DHS ad campaign, a claim the White House denied.

Noem reacted to Trump's announcement by expressing her gratitude to the president, adding that she looks forward to collaborating with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the new role.

"Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren," Noem wrote.

"The Western Hemisphere is absolutely critical for U.S. security. In this new role, I will be able to build on the partnerships and national security expertise, I forged over the last 13 months as Secretary of Homeland Security," she continued. "We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard."

RELATED: Noem is OUT — and Trump has named her replacement

Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Some politicians expressed gratitude for Noem's time at the DHS, while others celebrated her departure.

"I appreciate Secretary Noem's service to our country. She will do a great job dealing with the drug cartels in her new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of Americas, and I know she will continue to contribute in the future. However, I think it was time for a change," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) stated.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote, "President Trump was elected to secure our border, crack down on sanctuary cities and keep our country safe. I appreciate @Sec_Noem's dedication to that mission. Thanks to the president's leadership and her help, incredible progress has been made, and I know she will do a fantastic job as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas."

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) released a video reacting to the DHS leadership shake-up, saying, "Hey, Kristi Noem, don't let the door hit you on the way out."

RELATED: Government-paid traffickers? Noem testifies Biden administration funded abuse of migrant kids

Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Noem is OUT — and Trump has named her replacement



President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) would replace Kristi Noem as the homeland security secretary beginning March 31.

'Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security.'

Trump made the announcement shortly after several news reports claimed he was considering firing Noem and weighing a replacement.

Rumors first surfaced in early December that Trump was unsatisfied with Noem and considering her removal. However, the White House was quick to dismiss the reports as “total Fake News,” stating that the secretary was “doing a great job implementing the president’s agenda and making America safe again.”

Those claims resurfaced this week, after NBC News reported on Thursday that Trump “has grown frustrated” with Noem and was “unhappy” with her testimony before House and Senate committees, citing anonymous sources.

The news outlet stated that Noem told senators that Trump had signed off on a $220 million Department of Homeland Security ad campaign encouraging illegal aliens to self-deport.

“The president tasked me with getting the message out to the country and to other countries where we were seeing the invasion come from, with putting commercials out that told them that if they were in this country illegally, that they needed to leave or we would detain them and remove them and they’d not get the chance to come back to America the right way,” Noem told lawmakers during Tuesday’s hearing.

When asked to clarify whether Trump had asked her to run the advertisements, Noem replied, “We had that conversation, yes.”

RELATED: Republican senator melts down over Trump administration's deportations

Markwayne Mullin. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

However, a White House official rejected that claim.

“POTUS did not sign off on a $220 million dollar ad campaign. Absolutely not,” a White House official previously stated.

Trump announced that Mullin would take over for Noem in a post on social media on Thursday afternoon.

RELATED: Government-paid traffickers? Noem testifies Biden administration funded abuse of migrant kids

Kristi Noem. Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images

“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump wrote. “The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’”

He commended Mullin for “a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma,” describing the senator as a “MAGA Warrior.”

“Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda,” Trump continued. “As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Neither the DHS nor the White House immediately responded to a request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

'Horrifying situation': Some Republicans retreat following Minneapolis shooting of anti-ICE agitator



Several Republican lawmakers are sounding the alarm following another shooting in Minnesota.

Anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, with the Department of Homeland Security saying he "violently resisted" when agents attempted to disarm him. This is the second fatal shooting of an anti-ICE agitator in Minnesota. Renee Good was shot earlier this month after turning her car and accelerating toward an agent.

'The killing yesterday ... should raise serious questions.'

Administration officials like DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and top adviser Stephen Miller have branded Pretti a "would-be assassin" who committed acts of "domestic terrorism."

This comes after weeks of mob violence, theft, and property destruction in response to ICE presence in Minneapolis. These often coordinated acts are indiscriminately aimed at federal agents conducting lawful operations. The protesters are also threatening journalists simply exposing their violent tactics and even intimidating local churchgoers.

While the investigation continues, some Republican senators and representatives have made an effort to distance themselves from what they called a "horrifying situation."

RELATED: Democrats threaten to shut down government over ICE funding: 'We are not powerless'

Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Several senators who are known to buck the Trump administration came out with critical statements following the shooting, citing claims that conflict with DHS' narrative.

"The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking," Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said in a post on X. "The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission."

"Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American — especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed," Murkowski said. "A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work. ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties."

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is notably retiring, said officials jumping to conclusions could risk tarnishing President Donald Trump's legacy.

"There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday's Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting," Tillis said in a post on X. "For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump's legacy."

RELATED: DHS: Armed suspect fatally shot by federal agent in Minneapolis; suspect 'violently resisted' disarming attempt

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Other senators who have otherwise supported the administration also expressed skepticism after the shooting, calling for a thorough investigation.

"The nation witnessed a horrifying situation this weekend," Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska said in a post on X. "My prayers are with the family of Alex Pretti."

"My support for funding ICE remains the same. Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer," Ricketts clarified ahead of a major Senate vote on DHS funding. "It also protects our national security. But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble. I expect a prioritized, transparent investigation into this incident."

Ricketts' Republican colleague Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania echoed a criticism put forth by the National Rifle Association, saying Pretti was lawfully exercising his right to carry a firearm.

"As I have often said, I support the Border Patrol, ICE, and the critical work they do to enforce our laws," McCormick said in a post on X. "Irresponsible rhetoric and a lack of cooperation from Minnesota's politicians are fueling a dangerous situation. I also agree with the NRA and others — we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts. We must enforce our laws in a way that protects the public while maintaining its trust. This gives our law enforcement officers the best chance to succeed in their difficult mission."

RELATED: Vance crushes false narrative about ICE 'arresting' 5-year-old boy

Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

While several Republicans remained critical, others like Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma came in defense of the Trump administration, suggesting protesters had crossed the line into obstructing law enforcement.

"Law-abiding citizens have every right to carry a firearm," Mullin said in a post on X. "You DO NOT have a right to obstruct law enforcement activity, or commit another felony with one. This is not difficult."

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Sen. Markwayne Mullin Says Schumer Squashed Government Reopening Until After Election

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) held a closed-door meeting in which he squashed his party's plans to reopen the government until after Tuesday's elections, fearing that a deal before the election could dampen Democratic turnout, according to Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.).

The post Sen. Markwayne Mullin Says Schumer Squashed Government Reopening Until After Election appeared first on .

GOP Senator Calls For Immediate Release Of All Epstein Court Records

'Subject only to redactions to protect victims'

Senate GOP Blocks Dem Effort To Release Epstein Files

'Using this for a political football'

Hegseth blocks Democrats’ smear tactics in fiery Senate showdown: 'I won't fall for it'



Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday regarding the department's fiscal year 2026 budget request — his fourth hearing this month.

Hegseth faced heated exchanges during the hearing as Democratic lawmakers pressed him with hypothetical scenarios aimed at portraying President Donald Trump's administration as overreaching and authoritarian.

'It's all meant to attempt to smear the commander in chief, and I won't fall for it.'

Democrats grilled Hegseth on the Trump administration's strategy amid the escalating tension between Israel and Iran, the deployment of troops in Los Angeles, and the termination of "qualified" military leaders.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) questioned Hegseth's leadership abilities, claiming the DOD "has been consumed by high turnover and disarray" since the secretary's confirmation.

RELATED: Pete Hegseth defends deployment of troops in response to anti-ICE riots

Senator Jack Reed. Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

Hegseth countered Reed's critique by highlighting global instability under the prior administration, citing the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

"That was a view of weakness and chaos unleashed by the Biden administration under the previous defense secretary," Hegseth said, referring to former Sec. Lloyd Austin. "So, if a few changes have to be made in the first portion of my term in order to get it right, I think that's pretty acceptable to establish deterrence and rebuild our military and restore the warrior ethos."

Several Democratic leaders decried Trump's decision to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid the anti-immigration enforcement protests that turned destructive and violent.

"What he's doing may well be illegal," declared Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). "I want to ask you about contingency plans for the use of active duty military in other cities. Do you have such contingency plans?"

Blumenthal noted that he was "deeply disturbed and alarmed" by Trump's move.

Hegseth retorted, "Senator, I would just say, we share the president's view that, as you characterized it, we are 'deeply disturbed and alarmed' that [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] officers are being attacked while doing their job in any city in America."

Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) also questioned Hegseth about the deployed troops, pressing the secretary with outlandish hypotheticals.

"You claim lethality is your top priority. Do you plan to unleash this lethal force against U.S. citizens and civilians in L.A. and other cities?" Hirono asked.

Hegseth rejected the senator's characterization.

"I would like to have a professional response," Hirono snapped.

"Given this regime's dangerous policy of mobilizing troops inside the U.S., the politicizing of the military is a legitimate concern," she continued. "If ordered by the president — I'm going to ask you once again — to shoot peaceful protesters in the legs, would you carry out such an order from the president?"

Hegseth replied, "I reject the premise of your question and the characterization that I would be given or are given unlawful orders. It's all meant to attempt to smear the commander in chief, and I won't fall for it."

RELATED: President Trump has constitutional and statutory authority to use the National Guard domestically

Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) used his time to defend Hegseth after Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) claimed that the secretary would never be "held accountable" for allegedly disclosing military actions over the messaging application Signal.

Mullin fired back, "I wonder who was held accountable for the disastrous withdrawal out of Afghanistan, where 13 soldiers died and left thousands of Americans behind underneath Secretary Austin's lead?"

"Did one person get held accountable during that time?" Mullins questioned.

The senator defended Hegseth's record at the DOD after Democrats proclaimed that the department had been plagued with turmoil under his leadership.

Mullin noted that the DOD had the "lowest morale measured in our military history" and "absolutely disastrous" retention rates under Austin.

"You had recruitments that wasn't even meeting lowered standards that you guys lowered," Mullin told his fellow lawmakers. "Now, we have the highest morale that's been measured in decades in the military. We have recruiting numbers that are exceeding expectations."

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!