President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be reassigned to a new national security position, while Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has been selected to lead the Department of Homeland Security, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The change was announced after reports earlier Thursday that President Trump had been dissatisfied with Noem’s performance during recent congressional hearings.

NBC News reported that the president was particularly unhappy about Noem’s decision to approve a $200 million limited-bid advertising campaign.

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Later Thursday afternoon, President Trump confirmed that Noem would no longer serve as Secretary of Homeland Security and revealed that Mullin would take over the role.

Mullin is expected to assume the position effective March 31, pending confirmation by the Senate.

In announcing the change, President Trump said Noem would move into a new role focused on security efforts across the Western Hemisphere.

“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 said.

‼️🇺🇸: PRESIDENT TRUMP FIRES DHS SECRETARY KRISTI NOEM 👀

After her Oversight Hearing this week Trump announced Kristi Noem is being replaced by Oklahoma US Senator Markwayne Mullins. Why do you think he picked Mullins? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hlyVhP4IuQ — Diligent Denizen 🇺🇸 (@DiligentDenizen) March 5, 2026

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The administration said the initiative, called “The Shield of the Americas,” will focus on strengthening security cooperation throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Noem later issued a statement responding to the announcement and expressing support for President Trump while outlining her plans for the new position.

“Thank you, POTUS Trump, for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” Noem said in the statement.

She also referenced other members of the administration she expects to work with in the role.

“Secretary Rubio and Secretary of War Hegseth are incredible leaders, and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren.”

Noem also highlighted the strategic importance of the region and her experience leading the Department of Homeland Security.

“The Western Hemisphere is absolutely critical for U.S. security. 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.”

The former DHS secretary also pointed to what she described as accomplishments achieved during her time leading the agency.

“We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and…

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 5, 2026

Mullin, who currently serves as a U.S. senator from Oklahoma, will need to be confirmed by the Senate before formally taking over the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security.

The leadership change comes as the administration prepares to unveil the new “Shield of the Americas” initiative in Doral, Florida, on Saturday, which officials say will focus on regional security coordination and efforts to combat drug trafficking and cartel activity.

Noem served as Secretary of Homeland Security for more than a year prior to the reassignment.

The White House said she will now focus on diplomatic and security coordination related to the new Western Hemisphere initiative once she assumes her new role.

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