OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
4:39 PM – Friday, March 6, 2026
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both praised Kristi Noem after President Donald Trump removed her from her position as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
When asked about Noem during a press briefing regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran on Thursday, Hegseth stated that Noem “did an excellent job over there securing our border and keeping us focused on threats.”
Regarding the ouster from Trump, he explained that the president was simply “making a change.”
“We all serve at the pleasure of the president,” Hegseth stated.
Hegseth also complimented Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who was tapped by the president to replace Noem.
“I’m sure Markwayne Mullin will do a fantastic job. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time, but Kristi did a great job setting us up for success,” Hegseth said. “I don’t have any concerns about whether or not the homeland will be covered.”
Rubio also posted a social media statement on Thursday expressing his excitement to see Noem in her newly-created role within the Trump administration.
“I look forward to working with Kristi Noem as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas — our new security initiative comprised of 13 countries,” he wrote. “Kristi has achieved incredible results as Secretary of Homeland Security and will be a tremendous asset in our effort to promote security and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere.”
President Trump announced in a Truth Social post on Thursday that Noem would be reassigned. Despite the implications of him “firing” Noem, Trump expressed his respect for the former Governor of South Dakota.
“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida,” Trump said. “I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’”
The incoming DHS secretary, meanwhile, has “done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma,” Trump noted.
“A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda,” he wrote. “As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.”
Noem released a statement on Thursday thanking the president for her new assignment and praised Rubio and Hegseth, who she’ll be working with “closely.”
“Thank you, President Trump, for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas – Western Hemisphere. Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth are incredible leaders, and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren,” said Noem. “The Western Hemisphere is absolutely critical for U.S. security. In this new role, I will be able to build on the partnerships and national security expertise, I forged over my time as Secretary of Homeland Security.”
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