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Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026
Outside the box.
Trump Publicly Backs Kristi Noem Amid Rising Calls for Homeland Security Chief’s Dismissal
President reaffirms confidence in his DHS secretary as lawmakers escalate demands for her removal following fatal Minneapolis incidents
President Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem despite intensifying pressure from both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers to remove her from office over her handling of federal immigration enforcement operations.
Trump said Noem was “doing a very good job” and affirmed that she would not step down, even as bipartisan backlash grew after two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis that have drawn national scrutiny.
The controversy stems from a federal operation in Minnesota known as Operation Metro Surge, in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other Department of Homeland Security personnel were involved in enforcement actions that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens, including an intensive care nurse, Alex Pretti, and another civilian, Renée Good.
The incidents have sparked protests, legal challenges and intense debate over the scope and tactics of federal immigration enforcement.
Despite mounting criticism, Trump defended Noem’s leadership during public remarks outside the White House, emphasising the progress made on border security under his administration.
He said that the U.S. border was “totally secure” and expressed a desire for an “honourable and honest investigation” into the Minnesota shootings.
Trump’s reaffirmation followed a two-hour meeting with Noem and senior advisers as the administration seeks to manage the political fallout.
Calls for Noem’s dismissal have gained traction among congressional Democrats, with House leaders threatening to launch impeachment proceedings if she is not removed.
Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat who previously voted to confirm Noem, also publicly urged Trump to fire her, describing her handling of the situation as ineffective.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Rand Paul, have called for administrative leave for agents involved in the fatal encounters.
As the controversy continues, Trump has taken steps to recalibrate the federal response in Minnesota, including dispatching senior immigration official Tom Homan to oversee operations on the ground and altering leadership roles.
The president’s firm backing of Noem underscores his commitment to his immigration enforcement priorities even amid growing dissent from across the political spectrum and intense public debate over civil liberties, law enforcement tactics and executive accountability.
Trump said Noem was “doing a very good job” and affirmed that she would not step down, even as bipartisan backlash grew after two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis that have drawn national scrutiny.
The controversy stems from a federal operation in Minnesota known as Operation Metro Surge, in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other Department of Homeland Security personnel were involved in enforcement actions that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens, including an intensive care nurse, Alex Pretti, and another civilian, Renée Good.
The incidents have sparked protests, legal challenges and intense debate over the scope and tactics of federal immigration enforcement.
Despite mounting criticism, Trump defended Noem’s leadership during public remarks outside the White House, emphasising the progress made on border security under his administration.
He said that the U.S. border was “totally secure” and expressed a desire for an “honourable and honest investigation” into the Minnesota shootings.
Trump’s reaffirmation followed a two-hour meeting with Noem and senior advisers as the administration seeks to manage the political fallout.
Calls for Noem’s dismissal have gained traction among congressional Democrats, with House leaders threatening to launch impeachment proceedings if she is not removed.
Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat who previously voted to confirm Noem, also publicly urged Trump to fire her, describing her handling of the situation as ineffective.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Rand Paul, have called for administrative leave for agents involved in the fatal encounters.
As the controversy continues, Trump has taken steps to recalibrate the federal response in Minnesota, including dispatching senior immigration official Tom Homan to oversee operations on the ground and altering leadership roles.
The president’s firm backing of Noem underscores his commitment to his immigration enforcement priorities even amid growing dissent from across the political spectrum and intense public debate over civil liberties, law enforcement tactics and executive accountability.
