Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem Replaced; Senator Markwayne Mullin Named as Successor

President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem from her post as head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She will be succeeded by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, who is set to assume the role on March 31.

In an announcement on Thursday, March 5, Trump described Mullin as “a highly respected lawmaker” who will strengthen the administration’s border security and public safety initiatives. According to the President, Mullin will play a key role in advancing the administration’s “America First” agenda.

Noem will not be entirely removed from the administration. She has been appointed as a special envoy for a new Western Hemisphere-focused regional security initiative named The Shield of the Americas. The initiative is expected to be formally announced in Doral, Florida.

Mullin currently serves as a U.S. Senator. Before joining the Senate, he represented Oklahoma in the House of Representatives for nearly a decade. Alongside his political career, Mullin is known as a former undefeated professional mixed martial arts fighter.

President Trump also highlighted that Mullin is the only Native American currently serving in the U.S. Senate and has long advocated for tribal community rights.

In his new role, Mullin is expected to focus on strengthening border security, controlling illegal immigration, combating crime and drug trafficking, and ensuring national safety, according to the White House.

Meanwhile, political debate continues in Washington following remarks by Noem during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. She claimed that President Trump was aware of a Homeland Security campaign and had approved it before its launch. Trump later stated that he was not informed about the campaign and did not authorize it, fueling further discussion among policymakers.