Trump Praises DHS Secretary Noem in Public But Considers Replacement as Part of Cabinet Shake-Up: Report

Even though President Donald Trump continues to publicly praise Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, he is reportedly weighing a potential change in leadership at the the agency, according to The Bulwark.

Citing three former DHS officials, the news site explains that Trump is considering "moving on from Noem." They added that internal discussions about her future have intensified. Two of those officials said a change could come "really soon," though they cautioned that Trump's decision-making remains fluid, adding that Noem has recently taken a smaller role in directing department memos.

Noem's situation was first flagged in a CNN report on November 21 which noted that while Trump is "happy with Noem," some senior White House officials have grown frustrated with her reliance on senior adviser Corey Lewandowski. The outlet reported at the time that Lewandowski's expanding influence inside DHS—described by critics as micromanaging—has generated concerns about mismanagement.

A DHS spokesperson added that criticism of Lewandowski stems from his efforts to reprimand officials who "impede or slow down the administration and undermine the will of the American people."

"The President loves Kristi. He loves the job she's doing," a senior White House official told CNN, pushing back on suggestions she is at risk of removal. Lewandowski also denied the rumors in a message to The Bulwark, saying that "none of that is true."

However, another person close to the White House told CNN that Trump has been informed that Lewandowski "is a problem, and the agency is being mismanaged because of it."

Behind the scenes, tensions have reportedly been building for months over operational control of immigration enforcement. A NewsNation piece published in early November described what sources called a "shadow leader of DHS" dynamic, with Lewandowski and White House border adviser Tom Homan clashing over authority. Four officials told that outlet that the struggle has caused uncertainty over who is directing enforcement policies.

Trump may also want a fresh start heading into year two of his term. CNN reported that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin—who leaves office in January—could be considered for a future Cabinet role, though he has expressed more interest in economic or business positions than immigration enforcement.

"The cabinet is not changing," spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told CNN. But advisers acknowledged that Trump's personnel choices remain subject to rapid shifts, depending on evolving internal priorities and the president's own views.