Trump Backs Noem Amid Controversy Over DHS Position

President Trump expressed his support for Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, amid criticisms related to nationwide protests against ICE’s practices. He argued that the backlash against her stemmed from her being a woman.

On Truth Social, he stated, “Radical left lunatics, insurrectionists, agitators, and thugs are targeting Secretary Noem simply because she’s a woman and she’s been doing a really great job!”

He highlighted the improvements at the border, claiming that the challenges he inherited have been largely addressed. “The violent criminals empowered by Sleepy Joe’s sick open border policy are nearly gone, and the U.S. murder rate is at its lowest in 125 years!” he added.

Trump also indicated that voters should align with his vision, asserting, “I was elected to prioritize strong borders and law and order. Thank you, Secretary Noem. Remember, elections have consequences!”

Critics have begun labeling Noem, a former governor of South Dakota, as “ICE Barbie” due to her photography interest, which sometimes features her in cowboy hats and official attire.

In a notable incident from May, she was photographed shirtless in front of inmates at El Salvador’s CECOT prison after the deportation of 200 alleged gang members.

These remarks from Trump followed Noem’s absence from a Cabinet meeting, where she was not invited to speak by Small Business Administration Secretary Kelly Loeffler.

Just days prior, Trump had dispatched White House Border Patrol agent Tom Homan to take control of immigration operations in Minneapolis after a shooting incident involving a Border Patrol agent.

Following this, it’s reported that Greg Bovino, in charge of immigration, will return to his earlier position in El Centro, California.

Trump praised Homan, calling him “one of a kind” and acknowledging his effective work.

However, retiring Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized Noem, labeling her and the president’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, as “sycophants.” He described a sycophant as someone excessively subservient to powerful figures to gain favors or status.

He likened Noem to a character from the Harry Potter series, stating, “Dolores Umbridge is a perfect example of a bureaucratic sycophant—pleasant around superiors yet oppressive toward those under her.”

Noem, in response to her critics, defended her position during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, asserting that the calls for her resignation were politically charged. “Extremists are going after me, but I’m just doing my job,” she remarked.