Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be replaced shortly after getting grilled by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers during tense hearings on Capitol Hill this week.
President Donald Trump announced Noem’s ouster Thursday, March 5, on social media, naming Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, as her successor effective March 31.
In the same announcement, the president praised Noem’s 13-month tenure as Secretary, saying she had delivered “spectacular results.”
But Noem’s dismissal also followed protests nationwide against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which included the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. She also faced harsh questioning by Republicans and Democrats at the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3 and the House Judiciary Committee on March 4.
Here’s what some lawmakers and others are saying about Noem’s firing on social media.
Indiana U.S. Sen. Todd Young praises Mullin
U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R) on social media praised Trump’s choice of selecting Mullin shortly after the announcement, saying Mullin would do “a great job” and had Young’s support.
Young spoke briefly about Noem’s firing on Thursday’s “Julie Mason Show,” saying in the end it comes down to trust from the president.
“He needs to have trust and faith in his cabinet secretaries and make sure they’re exactly where he wants them,” Young told Mason. “He either lost trust and faith or decided Secretary Noem could be a better fit elsewhere in his administration.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to Noem: ‘Don’t let the door hit you…’
“Hey, Kristi Noem, don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) on social media. “Here’s your legacy: Corruption and chaos. Parents and children tear gassed. Moms and nurses, U.S. citizens, getting shot in the face. Now that you’re gone, don’t think you just get to walk away. I guarantee you, you will still be held accountable.”
Chuck Schumer: ‘Good riddance’
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on social media said, “Good riddance” to Noem’s firing Thursday, calling for Trump to “rein in ICE and end the violence.”
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries: ‘Pam Bondi is next.’
“Kristi Noem is gone. Pam Bondi is next. Keep the pressure on these extremists,” said U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D) of New York.
Other social media reactions about Kristi Noem
What will Kristi Noem do next?
While Noem is out of a job, she’s not out of work.
Trump said Noem would become special envoy for the The Shield of the Americas, his initiative for security against narcotics trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.
Noem thanked Trump on social media and said she was looking forward to working alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in her new role.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Kristi Noem out as DHS Secretary. Who’ll replace her and what people are saying
Reporting by John Tufts and Bart Jansen, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
