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.

Behind the Decision

According to an administration official, the president’s decision followed what they described as a “culmination of leadership failures.”

Those concerns included political fallout tied to events in Minnesota, controversy surrounding a government advertising campaign, allegations of infidelity, internal staff management issues and persistent clashes with leaders at key immigration agencies.

Officials said tensions had grown between Noem and leadership at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, creating friction inside the administration.

“Kristi’s drama sadly overshadowed and distracted from the administration’s extremely popular immigration agenda,” the official said, adding that the deportation policies would continue “full force.”

Noem Responds

In a statement posted on X, Noem thanked Trump for appointing her to the new diplomatic role and defended her tenure leading DHS.

“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 wrote.

She also highlighted what she described as “historic accomplishments” during her leadership at the agency.

Mullin’s Sudden Call

Meanwhile, Mullin appeared caught in the middle of a political plot twist worthy of a Washington drama.

The senator told reporters at the Capitol he was “super excited” about the opportunity and suggested the appointment had been discussed previously.

“The president and I, as you guys know, we’re great friends and we get along great,” Mullin said. “I look forward to working with him in his Cabinet.”

However, the job offer still requires Senate confirmation.

Moments before the announcement, Mullin was attending a Senate Republican lunch when his phone rang. According to Roger Wicker, Mullin abruptly stood up, left his “full plate of food behind,” and rushed out of the room — sparking whispers among colleagues that something major was unfolding.

Within hours, the speculation proved correct: the Homeland Security leadership had changed hands.