Poll Reveals Majority Want Kristi Noem Out as DHS Secretary
A recent survey shows that most voters believe Kristi Noem should be dismissed from her role as Secretary of Homeland Security. Conducted by Quinnipiac University from January 29 to February 2, the poll indicates that 58% of those surveyed want her to step down, while 34% support her staying in the position.
This investigation is linked to President Trump’s ongoing emphasis on strict immigration policies, especially following two tragic incidents involving the shootings of U.S. citizens in Minnesota by federal agents. These incidents occurred amid escalating protests against the administration’s harsh deportation measures.
After the second shooting of Alex Preti, who, by the way, was legally carrying a firearm, Noem characterized his actions as a threat and referred to them as “domestic terrorism.”
Video evidence from the incident shows Preti—an ICU nurse—appearing to assist a colleague who collapsed due to a stimulant. Witnesses stated he was holding a cellphone, not a weapon, when an agent reportedly drew a gun from his waistband, which led to the subsequent fatal shots.
The backlash against the Trump administration is growing, with criticism coming not only from Democratic leaders but also from two Republican senators—Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski—who are calling for Noem’s resignation. However, President Trump has publicly backed Noem, praising her performance on social media.
In a recent Fox News interview, Noem claimed that the calls for her to be fired were driven by “radicals.” She defended her role: “I’m just doing my job… enforcing the law as promised by President Trump to keep the people safe,” she stated during the segment.
Taking a jab at the Democratic leaders in Minnesota, Noem suggested that the turmoil in Minneapolis results from their failure to collaborate with the federal government on law enforcement issues.
The Quinnipiac poll highlighted a stark divide in opinions on Noem’s tenure—91% of Democrats and 63% of independents favor her removal, while only 17% of Republicans agree with that sentiment.
Furthermore, the poll brought to light a decline in support for President Trump’s handling of immigration, with his approval rating falling from 44% to 38%. According to another recent national survey by Fox News, while 52% approve of his border security efforts, only 45% support his overall approach to immigration, with 55% disapproving.
In a significant development, the Trump administration announced plans to lay off 700 of the approximately 3,000 federal immigration workers based in Minnesota. In a separate interview, Trump suggested that immigration officials might benefit from adopting a “softer approach”—though he insisted that maintaining strength is still necessary.
