Trump to fire DHS Secretary Noem, selects Mullin as successor

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on March 4, 2026 in Washington, D.C. President Trump said Thursday that he would replace Noem with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. Heather Diehl / Getty Images

Updated March 5 at 3:14 p.m.

Kristi Noem will step down as Homeland Security Department secretary at the end of the month, President Trump announced on Thursday, marking a new chapter in a tumultuous period for the agency that has overseen the administration’s controversial immigration crackdown. 

Trump will nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to replace her, he said. He suggested the change would take effect March 31, though the DHS secretary requires Senate confirmation and the timing for such a vote is not yet clear. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for clarification. Noem will be the first cabinet secretary ...