Trump Fires DHS Secretary Noem Over Ads, Scrutiny

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Out Amid Ad Campaign Controversy and Congressional Scrutiny

President Donald Trump has removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her post, marking the first Cabinet-level departure of his second term. Noem’s ouster follows two contentious days of testimony before Congress, where she faced sharp questioning from lawmakers across the political spectrum. While the President has not provided an official reason for the firing, a costly and controversial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advertising campaign is widely believed to have been a significant factor.

$220 Million Ad Campaign Sparks Fury

The DHS ad campaign, which prominently featured Secretary Noem in a cowboy hat and full makeup, reportedly cost upwards of $220 million. The advertisements aimed to encourage undocumented immigrants to self-deport. According to testimony, the President had pre-approved the spending on these nationwide television ads.

“The president approved ahead of time you spending $220 million running TV ads across the country in which you are featured prominently.”

During a congressional hearing, Senator John Kennedy questioned Secretary Noem about the campaign’s effectiveness and the President’s awareness of the expenditure. Noem stated that the President was aware and that legal processes were followed. However, the campaign drew criticism for its exorbitant cost and its perceived self-promotional nature for the Secretary.

President Trump Reportedly “Furious” Over Ad Approval Claim

Contrary to Noem’s assertions, the White House has denied that President Trump approved the $220 million ad campaign. Senator Kennedy later revealed that he received a personal phone call from President Trump on the night Noem’s firing was announced. During this call, the President was reportedly “furious,” stating that he had no involvement in the ad campaign and that Noem had misrepresented his approval.

“He got a call from the president that night, and Trump was furious, saying, no, I had nothing to do with this, she lied.”

This revelation suggests that Noem’s claim of presidential approval was a significant point of contention and a potential catalyst for her dismissal. The perception that the campaign was more about Noem’s personal branding than effective policy appears to have deeply angered the President.

Beyond the Ads: A Pattern of Controversy

While the advertising campaign served as a major flashpoint, it was not the sole reason for Secretary Noem’s downfall. She was reportedly already on thin ice, with discussions about potential Cabinet changes occurring as the administration entered its second term. The administration had prided itself on low turnover in its first year, a contrast to the first term.

Several other factors contributed to the pressure on Noem:

• Minneapolis Unrest: Noem faced intense scrutiny for her role and statements regarding the unrest in Minneapolis and subsequent killings. She was pressed on her characterization of individuals involved as “domestic terrorists,” a description that faced challenges.
• Relationship with Corey Lewandowski: Questions also surrounded Noem’s relationship with her top aide, Corey Lewandowski.
• Immigration Policy and Polls: Immigration, a signature issue for President Trump, has seen declining approval ratings. Critics suggest that Noem’s tactics are partly to blame for the administration being “badly under water” on this issue.
• Luxury Jet Purchases: Reports also surfaced of approximately $300 million in taxpayer money being spent on the purchase and leasing of Gulfstream luxury jets for Noem’s personal travel.

The combination of these controversies, coupled with the fallout from the ad campaign, created an untenable situation for Secretary Noem.

Lewandowski’s Departure and Noem’s New Role

Sources indicate that Corey Lewandowski is also out of the administration. However, given his long-standing relationship with President Trump, there is speculation he could be reassigned elsewhere. Lewandowski himself has reportedly stated that “no decisions are final.”

In a surprising development, Kristi Noem is reportedly being appointed as a new envoy for the “Shield of the Americans” initiative. President Trump is expected to meet with Latin American leaders in Florida this weekend, where further details about this new position are anticipated. This initiative is being framed by the White House as a strategy to combat drug trafficking.

What’s Next for Noem and DHS?

Kristi Noem’s dismissal signifies a shifting landscape within the Trump administration, particularly as it navigates its second term. The focus on self-promotion and the handling of controversial issues, like the Minneapolis unrest and immigration, have proven to be critical factors in high-level personnel decisions. The appointment of Noem to a new role, ostensibly focused on combating drug trafficking, suggests an attempt to reframe her public image and utilize her experience in a different capacity. The coming weeks will likely reveal the full scope of her new responsibilities and the administration’s broader strategy in addressing border security and international relations.

Source: 'Trump was furious': How Kristi Noem's self-promotion led to her firing (YouTube)