Trump Fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Over Ad Campaign & Lewandowski Scandal

The swift and somewhat surprising ouster of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary has sent ripples through Washington, D.C., and beyond. Just over a year into President Trump’s second term, Noem’s tenure ended abruptly, replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. The question now is: what led to this dramatic shift, and why did a once-favored figure fall from grace with the former president?

From “Hot Mama” to Out the Door

Kristi Noem’s arrival at the Department of Homeland Security in January 2025 was marked by a distinctly theatrical flair. She embraced the role with a high-profile, often provocative style, even choosing “Hot Mama” as her walk-up song during her formal introduction. This approach aligned with President Trump’s focus on border security and mass deportations, and Noem quickly became a visible face of the administration’s hardline immigration policies. She staged photo opportunities dressed as Border Patrol and ICE officers, and even posed in front of a prison in El Salvador. Although, it wasn’t the controversial tactics themselves, but rather Noem’s self-promotion surrounding them, that ultimately proved to be her undoing.

The Ad Campaign Controversy

The immediate catalyst for Noem’s firing appears to be a $220 million ad campaign designed to urge migrants to self-deport. During a recent Capitol Hill hearing, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana questioned whether President Trump had approved the campaign. Noem asserted that he had, defending the ads as “effective.” Kennedy, however, countered that the campaign served primarily to elevate Noem’s own profile, putting Trump in an “awkward spot.” He later told reporters that Noem’s account of events differed significantly from the president’s. PBS NewsHour reported on the growing tension between the two.

Noem had consistently maintained that the ad campaign originated with Trump, framing it as a directive from the president himself. However, as public opinion soured on the administration’s mass deportation policies, the campaign—and the no-bid contracts awarded for its execution—came under increased scrutiny. According to a source familiar with the decision, President Trump was particularly upset by Noem’s attempt to shift blame for the campaign onto him.

Beyond the Ads: A Pattern of Issues

The ad campaign wasn’t an isolated incident. Noem’s leadership at DHS was plagued by a series of issues, including the fallout from shootings in Minneapolis earlier this year involving federal officers. Following the January 24th shooting, Noem announced a nationwide rollout of body cameras for federal agents, a move that appeared to preempt Democratic demands but was criticized for being made without coordinating with the White House during ongoing funding negotiations.

Adding to the complications was Noem’s relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager who joined DHS as a special government employee. Rumors of a romantic relationship between the two fueled speculation and distraction, particularly given Lewandowski’s attempts to secure a chief of staff position within the department. Noem’s acquisition of a luxury jet with a bedroom also drew criticism and further scrutiny to her relationship with Lewandowski. She refused to address questions about the relationship directly during congressional hearings, dismissing them as “tabloid garbage.”

Political Calculations and a New Role

The timing of Noem’s removal also appears to have been influenced by political considerations in South Dakota. Some Republicans reportedly urged President Trump to delay the firing until after the candidate filing deadline for Senate and House races in her home state, fearing that Noem might launch a primary challenge. However, Trump ultimately decided to move forward, but included a provision in his announcement stating that Noem would transition to a new role as Special Envoy for the “Shield of the Americas” initiative, effective March 31, 2026 – coinciding with the filing deadline. This new position will focus on security in the Western Hemisphere, and will be unveiled in more detail at an event in Doral, Florida, this Saturday. The Department of Homeland Security released a statement thanking Noem for her service.

Mullin Steps In

Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has been tapped to replace Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. Trump praised Mullin as a “MAGA Warrior” and the only Native American in the Senate, highlighting his loyalty and ability to “get along well with people.” Mullin’s confirmation will likely be a relatively smooth process, with support from both Republicans and at least one Democrat, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. However, his confirmation hearing will provide an opportunity for Democrats to press him on potential changes to ICE operations. NPR provides further details on Mullin’s appointment.

The departure of Noem marks the first Cabinet shakeup of President Trump’s second term, and signals a potential shift in priorities within the Department of Homeland Security. Although the administration insists that its immigration agenda will continue “full force,” the circumstances surrounding Noem’s firing suggest a renewed emphasis on loyalty and a desire to avoid any perception of individual ambition overshadowing the president’s own leadership.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on Senator Mullin’s confirmation and his approach to the challenges facing DHS. The “Shield of the Americas” initiative, and the details surrounding Noem’s new role, will also be closely watched in the coming days.