Overview
- President Trump removed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary, nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her, and reassigned Noem as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
- Saturday Night Live opened with a sketch ridiculing Noem’s exit, featuring lines like “I didn’t get fired, I self-deported,” reflecting a broader cultural pile‑on.
- An administration official cited a culmination of failures behind the decision, including fallout from Minnesota operations, the $220 million ad push, staff turmoil, alleged infidelity, and feuds with CBP and ICE leadership.
- Trump publicly distanced himself from Noem’s ad campaign, saying he didn’t know about it, as reporting detailed procurement irregularities tied to the contract’s award.
- Sen. Tim Kaine called his prior vote to confirm Noem a “big mistake,” while the Senate prepares to vet Mullin and a DHS funding shutdown continues as negotiations over enforcement reforms drag on.