Overview
- MS NOW reports that a White House official, a current federal official, and former DHS officials say President Trump is considering removing Kristi Noem early next year, though the decision is not final and the White House calls the story “total Fake News.”
- The push reflects frustration that Noem has not moved fast enough to build new detention facilities despite a summer bill directing $170 billion to immigration enforcement, including $75 billion for ICE and $45 billion for detention centers.
- A White House official also says multiple governors complained directly to Trump about Noem’s handling of FEMA and disaster relief funds, adding to pressure for a leadership change.
- Outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is viewed as a leading contender and recently met with DHS and CBP officials, with acting ICE director Todd Lyons also mentioned as a possible replacement.
- Earlier reporting by The Bulwark cited former DHS officials who described internal dysfunction and flagged Corey Lewandowski’s influence as a key friction point; Lewandowski and the White House have publicly denied any plan to oust Noem.