Dem lawmakers applaud Trump’s DHS firing of Noem after heated Senate hearing

Capitol Hill erupted with reactions on Thursday as news spread that President Donald Trump had fired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem.

“That he’s gone, you know – hallelujah,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., told Fox News Digital on Thursday.

“That he’s going to take over, oh my God. I don’t know what else to say,” McGovern said, referring to Trump’s next pick for the role, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.

Trump’s decision, which drew praise from Republicans and widespread cheers from Democrats, came after news that Noem had spent more than $220 million on an ad campaign — news that broke during a damaging Senate committee hearing.

When questioned by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., Noem said President Donald Trump personally signed off on the spending.

“The president authorized you ahead of time to spend $220 million on TV ads across the country where you have the most exposure?” Kennedy asked.

“Yes, he did,” said Noem.

The exchange reportedly angered Trump, who disputed Noem’s claim.

More broadly, Noem’s removal comes as DHS has captured national attention as a key tool in Trump’s crackdown on immigration. In particular, the organization came under fire after immigrants shot and killed two citizens in January, after Minnesota activists clashed with federal agents.

In response to the shooting, Noem said his agents were defending themselves and protecting themselves from credible threats.

KRISTI NOEM HAS BEEN FIRED FROM HOMELAND SECURITY POST

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem joins the immigration mission in New York City. (Department of Homeland Security)

Noem will not completely leave you in charge. Instead of a DHS appointee, he will now be Trump’s Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new alliance of Latin American countries.

For Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the mounting criticism made Noem’s removal only a matter of time.

“Well, I think the president had no choice,” Raskin said, citing revelations about the agency’s management.

Others, like Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, believes he should not have had the job to begin with.

“The thing about Kristi Noem is that she was never qualified for that role. Nothing in her service in Congress or her background as a governor that was far from the Southern Border ever suggested that she was qualified for this role, and during her service, I think she proved that she was not,” Castro said.

Noem served as governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025.

Noem will not completely leave you in charge. Instead of a DHS appointee, he will now be Trump’s Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new alliance of Latin American countries.

At least one Democrat believes that’s more than he deserves.

“Moving him to another place does not bring the justice we want. He should be removed – not moved. This is a reckless president, and he should be stopped. Not only should Ms. Noem be charged, but the President of the United States should be charged,” said Rep. Al Green, D-Texas.

When asked about Mullin as Noem’s successor, Democrats said they hoped he would consider operational changes to ICE that Democrats have sought as a condition for funding the department in 2026.

NOEM PREPARES TO BATTLE HOUSE DEMS AFTER BIPARTISAN MOVEMENT ON DOGS, DOGS

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., speaks to reporters on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

“My hope is that Sen. Mullin understands that the majority of Americans support the reform of the lawlessness that we have seen in ICE,” said Rep. Johnny Olszewski, D-Md., .

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Republicans, meanwhile, applauded his choice.

“Of course, it was the right of the president to work in his cabinet. Markwayne Mullin was a member of the parliament in Oklahoma. He will be the secretary of national security,” said Rep. Russell Fry, RS.C..

Fox News Digital reached out to DHS.

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