Trump fires Noem amid controversy over her leadership at the Department of Homeland Security

Jeff Bennett:

Now we move on to our other main story of the day, which is the first Cabinet reshuffle of President Trump’s second term.

This afternoon, the president fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Despite the decision, Noem continued with her previously scheduled speech in Nashville, without mentioning her dismissal. It has faced bipartisan criticism in recent months over the agency’s handling of the immigration campaign, delays in emergency response, and a $220 million ad campaign in which it featured prominently.

President Trump says he has created a new role for her called Special Envoy for Shield of the Americas. He also announced his selection to replace Noem. This is Senator Markwayne Mullen from Oklahoma.

Lisa Desjardins is here with more.

So, Lisa, what’s the breaking point?

Lisa Desjardins:

Noem, she says, has been under increasing scrutiny because of ICE’s crackdown in American cities and the documented deaths of Americans and violent arrests captured on video.

However, it now appears that the really clinching point was the testimony this week and the $220 million ad campaign I mentioned that highlighted it so prominently. Some of our viewers have seen this footage before. This ouster came in particular during a key moment that I saw and our viewers saw when we reported on this, when Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana asked her about this.

Senator John Kennedy (R-Los Angeles):

The president previously approved spending $220 million to run TV ads across the country in which they feature prominently?

Kristi Noem, former US Secretary of Homeland Security:

Yes sir, we went through the due process, did we do it right, worked with the Office of Management and Budget?

Senator John Kennedy:

Did the president know you were going to do this?

Kristi Noem:

Yes.

Senator John Kennedy:

He did?

Kristi Noem:

Yes.

Lisa Desjardins:

Senator Kennedy told me that he spoke with President Trump that night and that Trump not only denied what Kristi Noem said, but was extremely angry about it.

Jeff Bennett:

So how did Senator Mullen become the nominee? As I understand it, the President likes to watch it on TV.

Lisa Desjardins:

right.

Mullen is well liked by the president and has friends in the Cabinet, like Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth, for example, as well. He is known as the Savior. He’s good on TV. It seems that – the President seems to think so.

But what’s interesting here, Jeff, is that Senator Mullen told us today that he only knew about this nomination a moment before we did, before the president himself announced it. He said, quote us, that: “It was a bit of a surprise to us.” He said he hasn’t even had a chance to contact Secretary Noem or his wife yet.

He was already talking to the press, and had not contacted either of them. He praised Noem, but said he would look for ways to improve.

Sen. Markwayne Mullen (R-Oklahoma), Nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security: Are there always lessons to be learned? Listen, my wife and I, we’ve been — over the years, we’ve been fortunate enough to buy companies and grow our companies, and every day there’s something you can do better.

And so I think there’s an opportunity to build on successes and there’s also opportunities to build on things that may not have gone as planned.

Lisa Desjardins:

If his appointment is approved, Mullen will head one of the largest clients in terms of headcount. Of course, it is also in the off state. There are also political risks here.

As you know, Republicans have had a major meltdown on one of their best issues, which is immigration.

Jeff Bennett:

So, tell us more about him and what his leadership, if confirmed, will mean for DHS.

Lisa Desjardins:

He’s an interesting guy.

Let’s take a look at his resume first. Mullen is a lifelong Oklahoma native. He is an entrepreneur, owning a family plumbing business, as well as real estate and a farm. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and the Senate 10 years later. Search in several committees. Most notably the Armed Services and Senate Appropriations.

Mullen is also a member of the Cherokee Nation. He has a great personality. He walks the halls bouncing a rubber ball almost Steve McQueen style. And he also — people wonder what he means as a secretary. It’s not clear yet. We don’t know exactly what his experience is in homeland security.

He pointed out that Trump’s policy will impose this. But I want a raise. Just last month, he was on a conservative radio talk show. He said he’s open to some type of legal status for DACA recipients or undocumented people who came here more than 10 years ago.

Jeff Bennett:

We used the warning earlier if it was confirmed. I think I’ll ask the question.

Lisa Desjardins:

right.

Jeff Bennett:

Is he someone who can be confirmed?

Lisa Desjardins:

The assumption now is yes. Senators always have support when they go for confirmation, especially when they are Republicans. You need just 50 votes now to confirm the Cabinet Secretary position. There are 53 Republicans.

Democrat John Fetterman of Pennsylvania already says yes. Now, other Democrats say they hope this will help them in DHS negotiations over the shutdown. But they don’t think he will change his policy. This is Trump’s policy. He has one ace in his pocket, Jeff, who can vote for himself.

Jeff Bennett:

truly?

Lisa Desjardins:

Senators have that ability on the Senate floor. It’s unusual, but it’s allowed.

Jeff Bennett:

Lisa Desjardins, thank you as always.

Lisa Desjardins:

You’re welcome.