▲ This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington on March 2, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), tapped by U.S. President Donald Trump to replace U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaks to the press at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 5, 2026, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)

Trump-Noem

Trump fires Noem, names Sen. Mullin as new homeland security secretary

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, March 5 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, making her the first Cabinet member to be unseated in his second term, while unveiling a plan to name Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace her.

Trump made the announcement on social media following reports of his discontent about Noem's congressional hearing remarks regarding a US$220 million ad campaign for border security and controversies, including one about her description of two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration agents as "domestic terrorists."

He said that Noem will undertake a special envoy role for a new security initiative.

"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), effective March 31, 2026," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida."

Trump expressed his confidence that Mullin will become a "spectacular" secretary of homeland security, as he said that Mullin has done a "tremendous" job while serving in the House for 10 years and three years in the Senate.

"A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda," he wrote.

MAGA stands for the "Make America Great Again" movement, while MMA refers to mixed martial arts.

"Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN," he added.

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