She is gone. According to sources, the mood at DHS has shifted following Kristi Noem’s departure

The Department of Homeland Security is facing a leadership change after President Donald Trump announced that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will step down from her position. According to reports, the news quickly spread inside the agency and prompted strong reactions among some staff members.

Officials say Noem will remain in her role until the end of March before moving to a newly created diplomatic position. The transition comes after months of controversy and internal tension within the department.

Trump Announces Leadership Change at DHS

President Donald Trump confirmed that Kristi Noem will leave her role as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 31.

Trump said Noem will move into a new position titled Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, though full details about the role are expected to be announced later.

The president also announced that Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma will be nominated to replace Noem as DHS secretary.

Reports of Internal Tension at DHS

According to sources inside the Department of Homeland Security, Noem’s departure follows months of internal conflict within the agency.

Some officials described a noticeable shift in mood inside the department after the announcement, with one source saying there was a sense of relief among some staff members.

Reports indicate that tensions developed over several issues during her tenure, including:

• Multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns
• Public appearances during immigration enforcement operations
• Statements following controversial federal law enforcement incidents in Minneapolis

Sources also claimed that Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski, who is also reportedly leaving DHS, often had confrontational interactions with staff.

Controversial Moments During Her Tenure

During her time as secretary, Noem drew attention for several public moments.

One example cited by sources involved her first appearance after being sworn in as DHS secretary, when she walked on stage to the song “Hot Mama” by Trace Adkins, which reportedly surprised some department staff.

Critics inside the agency also claimed she sometimes blamed others for departmental problems instead of taking responsibility.

Trump Informed Noem Before Public Announcement

According to reports, Noem learned she was being removed from her position while preparing to give a speech at the Sergeant Benevolent Association Major Cities Conference in Nashville.

Sources familiar with the situation say Trump called her shortly before she was scheduled to speak.

Despite receiving the news, Noem proceeded with her remarks and did not mention the leadership change during the speech.

Later that day, she posted a message on social media thanking Trump for the new assignment.

She wrote that the role will allow her to continue working on partnerships and national security issues developed during her time at DHS.

Markwayne Mullin Named as Replacement

Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin to become the next Secretary of Homeland Security.

Before taking office, Mullin must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Because Republicans hold the majority in the Senate, he would only need a simple majority vote to secure confirmation.

However, the confirmation process can still take time.

Uncertainty About Interim Leadership

If Mullin is not confirmed before March 31, when Noem leaves the position, the administration may need to appoint another official as acting secretary.

Under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, individuals nominated for a Senate-confirmed position cannot serve in that same role in an acting capacity.

This means Mullin cannot serve as acting DHS secretary while awaiting confirmation.

The White House has said it plans to move quickly on the confirmation process but has not provided a specific timeline.

Overview of the Leadership Change

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