Story perspectives

Trump Dismisses Noem, Sparks DHS Turmoil and TSA Exodus

3/12/2026

Left

Noem Dismissed, Chaos Erupts

Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, was dismissed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Joseph Mazzara, Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner, left the agency after the dismissal.
His departure underscores internal power struggles within the Department of Homeland Security.
Over 300 Transportation Security Administration employees quit amid a DHS shutdown, delaying airport operations, while DHS officials blame Democrats.

Right

Travelers Face Delays

Travelers faced delays at major U.S. airports as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was affected by the shutdown.
Security lines reached 3.5 hours at Houston Hobby Airport.
Officials advised passengers to arrive four to five hours early.
The shutdown began February 14 after Democrats withheld Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding over immigration issues.
U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as DHS Secretary, pending Senate confirmation.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, lasted 35 days, marking the longest in history. It stemmed from a funding impasse over President Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for a U.S.–Mexico border wall, affecting about 800,000 federal employees. The shutdown's economic impact was severe, costing the economy an estimated $11 billion and disrupting essential services nationwide.

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Noem Dismissed, Chaos Erupts

Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, was dismissed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Joseph Mazzara, Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner, left the agency after the dismissal.
His departure underscores internal power struggles within the Department of Homeland Security.
Over 300 Transportation Security Administration employees quit amid a DHS shutdown, delaying airport operations, while DHS officials blame Democrats.

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