Recent reporting indicates that Trump is considering a move to oust Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with some sources suggesting the decision could come sooner rather than later.
Two former DHS officials who previously served under both Biden and Trump said the change could happen “really soon,” while another described the situation as “fluid.”
According to these reports, Trump personally likes Noem, but frustration has reportedly grown among senior White House aides regarding her leadership — especially her reliance on longtime advisor Corey Lewandowski.
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Some officials believe Lewandowski has taken on an outsized and disruptive role within the Department of Homeland Security.
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One name being floated as a possible replacement is departing Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. While Youngkin has signaled in the past that he prefers an economic or business-oriented cabinet role over one focused on immigration and homeland security, some inside the administration believe he may still be pushed toward the DHS position if leadership changes occur.
The concerns surrounding Noem are not primarily about policy differences but rather internal management and optics. Some officials have reportedly described the department’s internal state as chaotic, with one insider bluntly stating that “things are messed up” and warning that the current leadership could “destroy this place.”
Noem has continued to express strong public loyalty to Trump. In a recent Cabinet meeting, she praised the president for “keeping the hurricanes away,” a statement widely mocked by critics but viewed by some as an effort to maintain her standing.
Despite her public support, the underlying leadership problems appear to run deep, and sources say dissatisfaction extends beyond a small group of staffers. This has fueled speculation that the administration may want a fresh start at DHS in 2026, perhaps under Youngkin or another candidate.
At this stage, no official announcement has been made regarding Noem’s removal. The information comes from anonymous former DHS officials, and while they may have insight into internal dynamics, nothing is certain. A few points remain clear:
- Noem has not been publicly warned or threatened with removal.
- Lewandowski has denied any claims that his involvement with DHS is problematic.
- The White House has offered no formal comment on possible replacements or internal restructuring.
Even so, the depth of internal criticism — combined with the emergence of potential successors — indicates that a leadership change is plausible.
Replacing Noem could signal a broader restructuring of the Department of Homeland Security. A new secretary with different priorities could shift agency morale, redefine immigration policy tone, and alter the department’s long-term direction.
However, pushing out a politically prominent and loyal figure like Noem could also create friction within Trump’s political base. Any decision carries both strategic and political consequences.
