Trump dismisses resignation calls, says Kristi Noem is doing a ‘very good job’

WASHINGTON, DC: Trump has dismissed growing calls for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to step down, saying she will not resign and reaffirming that she still has his full confidence amid mounting criticism over federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis following two fatal shootings by federal agents.

Trump made the remarks while the administration adjusts its approach in Minneapolis and faces bipartisan pressure, including from lawmakers demanding accountability and even impeachment for Noem's handling of incidents. 

Speaking to Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich, Trump said he was satisfied with Noem’s performance and reiterated that she would remain in her post, even as tensions escalate and officials recalibrate enforcement strategy in the region. 

President rules out Kristi Noem's resignation

President Trump was asked about tensions in Minnesota and growing calls for Noem's resignation, after which he clearly stated that he was content with Noem's work and would not ask her to step down. 

“I think she’s doing a very good job,” Trump said adding further that “the border is totally secure.”

Trump used the exchange to again contrast his administration’s immigration policies with those of the Biden administration, claiming that illegal crossings have dropped dramatically since his return to office.

“You forget, we had a border that I inherited where millions of people were coming through,” Trump said. “Now we have a border where no one is coming through.”

The president argued that Democratic border policies created a crisis that allowed dangerous individuals to enter the country, repeating claims that criminals, drug traffickers and people released from mental institutions crossed into the US during that period. 

“They allowed tens of millions of people to come in,” Trump said. “And that border is absolutely closed.”

Trump’s comments come as Noem faces criticism from Democrats and civil rights groups, following a series of high-profile federal enforcement actions in Minneapolis, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti- the second US citizen killed by federal agents in the city this month, which have sparked widespread protests and demands for accountability.  

As he prepared to depart for Iowa aboard Marine One, Trump said the investigation into Pretti’s death should be allowed to run its course.

Asked about the family, he said, “I love all of our people. I love his family, and it’s a very sad situation.”

Trump added, “We're doing a big investigation. I want to see the investigation. I'm going to be watching over it. I want a very honorable and honest investigation. I have to see it myself.”

Private Oval Office meeting amid mounting backlash

Behind the scenes, Trump has been closely involved in discussions about how to move forward.

According to CNN, the president met privately for nearly two hours Monday evening with Noem and her senior adviser, Corey Lewandowski, in the Oval Office.

The meeting came at Noem’s request as pressure mounted over the administration’s handling of immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

Reports state that Trump did not threaten Noem’s job during the meeting. Instead, the discussion focused on how to continue pursuing the president’s immigration agenda while addressing public outrage and political fallout triggered by the Minneapolis shootings.

Several senior White House officials attended the meeting, including chief of staff Susie Wiles, press secretary Karoline Leavitt and communications director Steven Cheung.