Kristi Noem Speaks at Event Completely Unaware Trump Just Fired Her
Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared unaware she had been removed from her post while delivering a speech at a law enforcement conference Thursday afternoon.
Noem was speaking at the Major Cities Chiefs Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee, when President Donald Trump announced on social media that he was removing her from the position. During the event, attendees continued to address her as “Secretary,” and no one referenced the sudden change in her role.
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While answering questions from law enforcement officials, Noem spoke about her future plans as if she were still leading the Department of Homeland Security. She discussed upcoming meetings with state officials and continued coordination with governors and local authorities on immigration enforcement efforts.
At one point in her remarks, Noem referenced Trump’s upcoming “Shield of the Americas” initiative, which the president is expected to unveil on Saturday. The program is aimed at combating drug cartels and cross-border trafficking. Trump later announced that Noem would serve as a special envoy connected to that effort after her departure from DHS.
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Noem concluded her remarks by thanking the audience and briefly posing for photos before leaving the stage. Shortly afterward, she released a statement on X acknowledging her new assignment and thanking Trump for the opportunity.
“The Western Hemisphere is absolutely critical to U.S. security,” Noem wrote, adding that she intends to build on the relationships and national security experience she developed during her time leading the Department of Homeland Security.
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Her removal from the role follows a difficult week on Capitol Hill, where she faced sharp questioning during Senate and House Judiciary Committee hearings. Lawmakers pressed her about several issues, including a controversial $220 million border security advertising campaign that prominently featured her.
Reports earlier in the day indicated that the White House had begun quietly reaching out to Republican officials about possible replacements. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma was reportedly among the names being discussed.
Noem is expected to remain in the position temporarily until a successor is formally appointed.
Kristi Noem via X
Donald Trump via Truth Social
