Former South Dakota Gov. Krsiti Noem has been sacked as President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, becoming the first high-profile cabinet member to lose a job during Trump’s second term.
Trump announced on social media that he is replacing Noem with Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’”
The move comes two days after Noem told the Senate Judiciary Committee that Trump approved a $220 million ad campaign to a firm tied to a political ally. At the time, Noem was already embattled for her role in sending thousands of Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to Minneapolis. Federal agents shot and killed two protesters during clashes that took place there.
Trump eventually turned the operation over to Border Czar Tom Homan to calm the situation.
It appeared Noem might survive as Homeland Security secretary, a role she assumed about 13 months ago. But then came Tuesday’s Judiciary hearing in which both Democrats and Republicans questioned the ad campaign that went to one of her allies. The ads featured Noem prominently, warning people in the country illegally to leave before they got deported.
For South Dakotans, the ad campaign was similar to Noem’s Freedom Works Here campaign. The ad campaign, which exceeded $5 million, featured Noem pretending to work in different professions in a bid to recruit out-of-state workers. It also went to a firm run by her political allies.
The Dakota Scout reached out to Noem last week to query her on her future plans. There was no response.
Trump lauded Mullin’s credentials.
“Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties — in 2016, 2020, and 2024! A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda. 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!”
