President Trump shook up his national security team Thursday, ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and nominating Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to take the helm at DHS.
The move, announced on Truth Social, relocates Noem to a newly created position: Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a security initiative Trump will formally unveil Saturday in Doral, Florida.
“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” Trump wrote. “I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.'”
In her first public statement since the announcement, Noem thanked Trump and touted her record at DHS: “We delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard.”
She added that she looks forward to working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth “to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren.”
Mullin, who represents Oklahoma in the Senate, brings a unique resume to the post. Before entering politics, he was a professional MMA fighter — undefeated in his career — and built a successful plumbing business from the ground up. He is currently the only Native American serving in the Senate.
“As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities,” Trump said. “Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.”
The shakeup comes as the administration marks Day 411 of Trump’s second term, with border security remaining a signature issue. Noem’s tenure at DHS was marked by aggressive enforcement actions and a dramatic reduction in illegal crossings — achievements the administration is eager to highlight as the 2026 midterm cycle heats up.
The Shield of the Americas initiative, details of which remain under wraps until Saturday’s announcement, appears designed to coordinate security efforts across the Western Hemisphere — potentially addressing not just border security but regional threats from cartels, human trafficking networks, and foreign influence operations.
For Mullin, the nomination represents a significant elevation — and a test of whether his combative style and business background can translate to managing one of the federal government’s largest and most complex departments.
Providence watches over the bold.
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