President Donald Trump is reportedly considering replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, according to a new report citing former Department of Homeland Security officials who served under both the Biden and Trump administrations.
The officials, speaking anonymously to the Bulwark, said Trump may move on from Noem “really soon,” though one source described the situation as “fluid.”
The report notes that Trump personally likes Noem, but several top White House officials have grown increasingly frustrated with her leadership at DHS. Their chief concern reportedly centers on Noem’s reliance on longtime Trump ally Corey Lewandowski, who has been described as having an “outsized role” within the department. Lewandowski denied the characterization, telling the outlet, “none of that is true.”
If Trump decides to make a change, he may already have a high-profile replacement in mind. Term-limited Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who leaves office in mid-January, has been floated as a potential DHS secretary. CNN previously reported that Youngkin expressed more interest in an economic or business-related Cabinet role rather than one focused primarily on immigration. Still, sources said he would be “excited” about any opportunity to serve in Trump’s Cabinet.
Noem, for her part, appears eager to remain in Trump’s good graces. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, she delivered effusive praise for the president — praise that drew widespread mockery online. “You made it through the hurricane season without a hurricane,” Noem told Trump. She added, “You kept the hurricanes away, we appreciate that.”
Her comments, interpreted by critics as an overly eager attempt to impress Trump, did little to quell speculation about her job security.
Behind the scenes, the Bulwark’s sources suggested morale within DHS has deteriorated.
The Trump administration has made aggressive immigration enforcement a centerpiece of its second-term agenda, putting DHS under intense pressure as it executes Trump’s sweeping reforms. Those reforms include expanded travel restrictions, tightened asylum rules, and new vetting procedures following high-profile national security incidents.
As a result, the secretary of Homeland Security is one of the administration’s most visible — and politically sensitive — positions. Replacing Noem with someone like Youngkin, a popular Republican governor with national name recognition, would significantly reshape the department’s leadership heading into a crucial election year.
While no final decision has been announced, the report underscores that the Trump White House is closely evaluating DHS performance and may take swift action if it concludes new leadership is required.
For now, Noem remains in her position — publicly loyal to the president, but facing questions about how long she will stay there as January approaches and speculation continues to mount.
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