Washington: US President Donald Trump on Thursday removed Home Minister Kristi Noem from her post amid criticism. Noem was increasingly criticized for her leadership of the ministry, especially regarding immigration actions and disaster management. Trump announced on social media that he would nominate Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, to replace Noem. This announcement came when Noem had to face sharp questions from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers during a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill two days ago.

What new responsibility did Kristi Noem get?

Trump also said that Noem would be given responsibility for a new security initiative called ‘The Shield of the Americas’, which will focus on the security of the Western Hemisphere. ‘The Shield of the Americas’ is a new security initiative proposed by the Trump administration, which aims to strengthen security cooperation between the countries of North, Central and South America. Shortly after the announcement, Noem took the stage at a law enforcement event in Nashville, Tennessee, but made no mention of her removal from office.

Reading from a prepared speech, he reiterated the message of Trump’s ‘State of the Union’ address last month. She has become the first cabinet minister to step down during Trump’s second term. His tenure was surrounded by a lot of controversies, especially over strict enforcement of immigration policy, which even led to protests and lawsuits. After the hearing held in Congress this week, it was considered difficult for him to continue in office. A major controversy was over a $220 million advertising campaign, in which people living in America illegally were encouraged to leave the country voluntarily.

What did Kristi Noem say during the hearing?

Noem had told lawmakers that Trump was already aware of the campaign, but Trump denied in an interview on Thursday that he had approved the ad campaign. Noem has faced a lot of criticism while overseeing Trump’s immigration crackdown, especially after the shooting of two protesters by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis. If approved by the Senate, Mullin will take up the position. He can also serve as acting Home Minister under federal law pending the nomination.