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In a dramatic political shake-up that rippled through Washington on Thursday, President Donald Trump dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, making her the first Cabinet official to leave the administration since the start of his current term.

The sudden move comes after a turbulent year for the Department of Homeland Security, as Noem oversaw the administration’s controversial mass deportation policies — a campaign that has drawn mounting criticism and political pressure.

At the same time, Trump announced he intends to nominate Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma and one of his staunchest allies, to lead the United States Department of Homeland Security.

A Swift Cabinet Change

Trump revealed the decision in a post on Truth Social, writing that Mullin will take over as Secretary of Homeland Security beginning March 31, 2026.

“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),” the president wrote.

While Noem was removed from her Cabinet role, Trump said she would transition into a newly created position titled “Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.” The role, he said, will oversee a sweeping security initiative across the Western Hemisphere.

Trump spoke with Noem earlier Thursday about the change, according to two people familiar with the conversation. At the time, the secretary was traveling outside Washington, D.C.