Kristi Noem's Future as DHS Secretary Appears Uncertain As Potential Replacements Line Up, Report Says

The future of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appears to be in the balance, as recent reports suggest the former South Dakota governor could be replaced as President Donald Trump seeks to accelerate his mass deportation policies.

Speculation grew earlier this month when The Bulwark reported that three unnamed former DHS officials said high-ranking Trump administration aides are considering a leadership change. The report noted Noem's influence over department memos has decreased and a replacement could be named "very soon."

Noem has publicly denied the rumors. In a recent interview, she said she had no indication the administration planned to replace her and stressed that her focus remains on removing violent criminals from the country.

"No, I don't have any indication of that. The president is fantastic. I am very proud every single day to be able to work for him," Noem said. "I will serve at the president's pleasure, which I'm very grateful to get to do, and he gives me a wonderful opportunity to do a job that matters for the safety of the American people."

Despite her comments, Politico reported that a couple of names are already being considered if Trump decides to move on from Noem.

Conversations with 17 people, including former administration officials, White House associates, and lawmakers, revealed potential successors such as Fox News contributor and former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, whose term ends in January 2026.

"I'm hearing from people that she's about to leave," said one source close to the administration, adding that Noem would not be fired. The departure could be instead framed as a graceful exit, with Noem leaving for "another opportunity" and claiming success at DHS, the source added.

One Trump administration official who spoke to Politico on the condition of anonymity said some in Trump's inner circle view Noem as too focused on her 2028 ambitions.

"She's not doing this so she can get a cushy job on Fox News when she leaves," the official said. "Her best shot is to get out on the campaign trail now, start lining up endorsements from governors, and then use that to negotiate a role in the next administration — secretary of state, vice president."

Chaffetz, a current Fox News contributor, remains a close Trump ally and regularly consults with senior administration officials about implementing the president's agenda, one Trump official told Politico.

"He covers a lot of bases for President Trump and senior officials. He enjoys close relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the Hill and is uniquely confirmable. I think that's why it makes sense that his name keeps coming up for DHS," the official said.

Virginia Gov. Youngkin, who is set to step down in January, is another potential candidate.

The three former DHS officials who spoke to The Bulwark said his name had been floated as a possible successor to Noem. He has expressed interest in serving in the administration but would prefer a role focused on economic or business affairs rather than DHS, according to reports.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem under scrutiny

Sources consulted by Politico said Noem's tenure has faced criticism from Trump administration officials and lawmakers for multiple reasons beyond immigration, including major cuts to cybersecurity and the department's handling of federal relief for states hit by natural disasters.

Another factor affecting Noem's stability is her strained relationship with Tom Homan, Trump's border czar.

The two have clashed over how to implement the president's immigration agenda. Fox News reported in October that DHS leadership relations were "tense" and "combative," with deportation totals below administration targets.

One administration official and two people close to the White House told Politico that both Noem and Homan want to be seen as the one in charge.

"Her clashes with Tom Homan are a problem. The rivalry, neither wanting to be subordinate to the other," said one source. "Their insistence on independence and on being perceived as running the show."

Despite reported tensions within DHS leadership, the White House has expressed continued support for Noem, suggesting her position is secure.

In a post on X, White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson called the reports noncredible and said Noem is doing "a great job implementing the president's agenda."

Similarly, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has said publicly that any speculation about Noem's future as head of DHS is false. "I can't speak for the President, but I've seen more credible reporting on Bigfoot," she told Fox News.