Trump mulls ousting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem amid tensions, reports say

WASHINGTON, DC: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly facing growing uncertainty within the Trump administration, despite playing a central role in the president's immigration agenda.

Several former DHS officials claim President Donald Trump is actively considering moving on from her, possibly "really soon."

While Noem continues to publicly praise the president, frustrations among senior White House officials have intensified, particularly over her reliance on Chief Adviser Corey Lewandowski.

The situation reportedly remains fluid, but discussions about potential replacements are already underway. 

White House frustrations and reports of a possible exit 

Noem has been a key figure in executing Donald Trump's sweeping immigration overhaul, which includes preparations for mass deportations.

But her standing has weakened in recent weeks as internal concerns mounted over the department's direction and her leadership style.

According to multiple former DHS officials who served under both Biden and Trump, "Trump is indeed considering moving on from Noem," with two saying a shift could happen "really soon."

They cited growing indications that Noem has recently taken a reduced role in directing departmental memos. 

Although Trump is reportedly personally fond of Kristi Noem, top aides have become increasingly frustrated, particularly with Lewandowski's influence.

His "outsized role" has reportedly irritated officials who believe that he has complicated an already tense environment at DHS. Lewandowski dismissed the speculation in a text to The Bulwark, writing, "none of that is true." 

Noem herself has attempted to tamp down talk of internal tensions. 

During a recent cabinet meeting, she offered Trump effusive praise, telling him, "You made it through the hurricane season without a hurricane... You kept the hurricanes away, we appreciate that." 

Glenn Youngkin floated as a potential replacement 

As uncertainty around Noem grows, a high-profile Republican may be preparing to enter the picture.

Term-limited Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who leaves office in mid-January, has reportedly been floated as a possible successor.

Though he has previously shown greater interest in an economic or business-focused role, CNN reported that he would still be "excited by the prospect" of any Cabinet post.

The broader environment inside DHS has only heightened the urgency.

One former DHS official described the agency's current state with blunt clarity, relaying what they said was the sentiment among staff, "it's horrible... they're going to destroy this place. I'm just hoping the new secretary gets here in time."