From Schumer to Graham, Democrats mock Kristi Noem while GOP backs Markwayne Mullin for DHS

WASHINGTON,DC: US President Donald Trump announcing that Kristi Noem will step down as Secretary of Homeland Security triggered a wave of reactions online, with Democrats such as Chuck Schumer and Gavin Newsom mocking her departure while Republicans rallied behind Trump’s nominee Markwayne Mullin to take over the department.

President Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social account on Thursday, March 5, triggering reactions online.

Schumer, Ken Martin slam Noem’s tenure

Several prominent Democrats reacted bluntly to the news, openly mocking Noem’s removal.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted a short but pointed message on X welcoming the decision.

“Kristi Noem has been fired. Good riddance. But the problems at DHS go much deeper than any one person. The President must rein in ICE and end the violence”, wrote Schumer.

Ken Martin, Party chair of the Democratic Party, also harshly criticized Noem’s record on X writing “Kristi Noem is a stain on American history. She has the blood of two Minnesotans on her hands and a legacy of cruelty on her conscience. Good riddance.”

Meanwhile, the official account of the Democratic Party mocked the outgoing DHS chief by posting an image of Noem accompanied by the hashtag #OpenToWork.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, however, focused his criticism on Trump’s choice of replacement.

Taking aim at Mullin, Newsom wrote “Markwayne Mullin could not remember if we were at war this week. His state has one of the highest crime rates in the country with a murder rate 40% higher than California’s”.

Newsom also referenced past controversies involving the Oklahoma senator, arguing that Mullin was an erratic choice to oversee homeland security.

Ilhan Omar and JB Pritzker posted memes to mock Noem's ouster.

Republicans shift focus to praising Mullin nomination

While Democrats celebrated Noem’s exit, many Republicans largely avoided attacking critics and instead focused on expressing support for Mullin. 

Rep Lauren Boebert did not comment on Noem’s tenure but enthusiastically backed the incoming nominee.

“President Trump has selected a true patriot in Mullin to lead DHS. He will not let us down!”, wrote Boebert on X.

Similarly, Senator Katie Britt thanked Noem for her service while emphasizing her excitement about Mullin’s nomination.

“I thank Secretary Noem for her service to our nation and all the work she did to execute President Trump’s agenda to make our southern border and interior safer and more secure than ever before”, Britt said.

Congratulating Mullin, she wrote “I know from working alongside Markwayne for years that he is up to the job and will carry out President Trump’s agenda to safeguard our homeland and oversee critical agencies.”

Senator Lindsey Graham also weighed in, striking a balanced tone by acknowledging Noem’s contributions while supporting Trump’s decision.

“I appreciate Secretary Noem’s service to our country. however, I think it was time for a change.” 

Graham expressed strong confidence in Mullin’s leadership abilities, describing him as one of the most knowledgeable figures when it comes to protecting the United States from security threats.

“Markwayne understands the enemies we face, and he has been intimately involved in dealing with threats against our homeland in the public and private sectors”, he wrote on X.

Trump announces new role for Kristi Noem 

In his Truth Social announcement, Trump said Noem will move into a new administration position focused on regional security initiatives in the Western Hemisphere after stepping down as DHS secretary.

At the same time, he praised Mullin as the right person to lead the department moving forward.

“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump wrote.