Pres. Trump fires Kristi Noem
Former Secretary for Homeland Security faced widespread criticism
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The President on Thursday fired the first member of his cabinet. He thanked Kristi Noem for her service as Secretary of Homeland Security and announcing that he’s replacing her Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin.
The President announcing on Truth Social that Noem is leaving DHS to take on a new role - Special Envoy forthe Shield of the Americas – the President’s new security initiative for the Western Hemisphere.
The President writing that Noem “has served us well and has had spectacular results (especially on the border).”
But Noem has received bipartisan criticism for the management of her Department – including Tuesday at a Senate hearing.
Senator Thom Tills (R-N.C.) had threatened to halt much Senate work unless Noem was fired, “What we’ve seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms. Noem. A disaster.”
His colleague on the Judiciary Committee, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.) was equally harsh, “Her evasive, unresponsive answers, her refusal to acknowledge her responsibility and to commit to changing or reforming the brutal, unconscionable practices ofher agency is not only regrettable, it is unforgivable.”
Besides her combative style in responding to protests in Minnesota – including her labeling two U.S.citizens who were killed by federal agents as “domestic terrorists” - she had also come under fire for leasing a luxury 737 for agency travel.
The final straw may have been Noem’s decision to spend $200 million of taxpayer dollars for an ad campaign, featuring herself.
Noem responded to her firing on social media by thanking President Trump, writing, " We have made historic accomplishment sat the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history."
Senator Mullin must still be confirmed by the Senate, which is almost assured given the Republican majority. Lawmakers from both parties say the change in leadership will help in agreeing to fund DHS for therest of the fiscal year.
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