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President Donald Trump has replaced Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, nominating Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to take her place, the White House announced on March 5, 2026. The move follows scrutiny of Noem during a recent congressional hearing, according to reports.

The decision to remove Noem, who had previously survived numerous political challenges, appears to be driven by President Trump’s emphasis on loyalty within his administration. Sources indicate that Trump has, at times, distanced himself from officials when their actions became politically problematic.

Senator Mullin, upon receiving the nomination, pledged to overturn a policy implemented by Noem that had slowed the delivery of disaster aid. Speaking on March 18th, Mullin stated he would “absolutely” revoke the policy if confirmed by the Senate. This suggests a potential shift in the Department of Homeland Security’s approach to disaster relief.

The circumstances surrounding Noem’s dismissal remain largely undisclosed. The White House has not offered a detailed explanation beyond stating the change in leadership. As of today, March 20, 2026, the Senate has not yet scheduled a confirmation hearing for Mullin’s nomination.