Trump fires Noem and names Mullin DHS secretary after $220M ad controversy

President Trump fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5, 2026, one day after she testified before the Senate that he had approved a $220 million ICE and CBP advertising campaign — directly contradicting his public denial. Trump immediately named Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as her replacement. Mullin served as acting secretary under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act while awaiting Senate confirmation, which the Senate granted in a 54-45 vote on March 23, 2026.