President Trump has dismissed reports that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem might be stepping down, calling her a “star” and expressing his satisfaction with her leadership.
The White House confirmed Trump addressed the issue directly when asked about potential resignation before heading to Iowa for an event today.
Trump described Noem’s performance as exceptional, stating: “Kristi is doing a GREAT job. She’s fantastic. We’ve stopped the illegal border crossings – the numbers are the lowest they’ve been in DECADES!” He added that she was “tough on immigration, built parts of the wall, and getting results.”
The remarks follow two U.S. citizens being killed by federal agents in Minnesota this month, including Alex Pretti, who was shot multiple times after filming immigration officers with his phone camera.
In response to the incidents, Senator John Fetterman (D-Penn.) has urged President Trump to immediately fire Noem, accusing her of betraying DHS’s mission. “Americans have died. She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy,” Fetterman wrote on social media.
Trump met privately with Noem Monday evening in the Oval Office for nearly two hours, according to multiple sources. The meeting came after Ms. Noem requested a private audience with the president.