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Noem out, Republican senator in as new Homeland Security secretary

Noem is leaving the Homeland Security post for a special envoy role after lawmakers questioned her department’s practices and spending.

Noem out, Republican senator in as new Homeland Security secretary
Image · Military Times

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Outlet credibilityMilitary Times74/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 9, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump named Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary, pending Senate confirmation. Mullin’s departure would leave an open Senate seat for Oklahoma’s governor to fill temporarily.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Kristi Noem Former U.S. Representative (R-SD)
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Noem in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Noem’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

SWIPE →
Kristi Noem
Former U.S. Representative (R-SD)

Homeland Security secretary being replaced

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Markwayne Mullin
Secretary of Homeland Security

Senator named to become Homeland Security secretary

Mullin's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who named Mullin to the post

Pete Hegseth
R · Secretary of Defense

Defense secretary who had previously worked with Mullin

Adam Kinzinger
Former U.S. Representative (R-IL)

Former representative who criticized Mullin’s remarks

Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

Senator who called for Noem’s resignation at a hearing

Patrick Ryan
D · NY-18

Representative who criticized Mullin’s remarks

ALSO MENTIONED  Kevin Lunday, Coast Guard commandant; Sean Plankey, Noem’s former senior adviser preparing for a confirmation process

Part of a bigger story

9 OUTLETS
Trump Removes Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, Names Mullin Successor

President Trump removed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary and announced plans for Sen. Markwayne Mullin to succeed her. Noem is slated for a special envoy role. Left-leaning outlets present the change as replacing one unqualified official with another, criticizing Noem’s tenure and Mullin’s fitness. Center outlets mostly report a personnel transition amid scrutiny of Noem’s testimony and spending, while also covering reactions to her firing and whether enforcement plans will change. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Noem’s role in stopping crossings and Trump’s praise for Mullin.

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