Full Breakdown
DHS Seeks to Erase Kristi Noem’s Video Presence After Leadership Change
7/7/2026, 1:29:21 AM
Mullin Orders Removal of Kristi Noem Videos from DHS Media
The office of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent an email to U.S. Customs and Border Protection requesting that any remaining videos featuring former Secretary Kristi Noem be deleted from airport and other port-of-entry displays. The request, obtained by *HuffPost*, asked for prompt removal and written confirmation.
Background: Noem’s Tenure and Controversial Media Use
Kristi Noem served as the public face of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda until her dismissal on March 5, 2025. During her tenure, she frequently appeared in public-service announcements (PSAs) at customs and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. One TSA spot aired in October 2025 blamed Democrats in Congress for a government shutdown that slowed security lines, prompting ethics experts to cite a possible Hatch Act violation. Noem also fronted a $200 million government-funded advertising campaign that featured her on horseback in a cowboy hat, and she toured El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center in March 2025, delivering a video message while wearing a $50,000 Rolex watch.
Key Figures & Groups
- Kristi Noem – former DHS secretary, former South Dakota governor.
- Markwayne Mullin – current DHS secretary, former U.S. senator from Oklahoma.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – agency asked to delete the videos.
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – platform for several Noem PSAs.
Timeline of Relevant Events
- March 5, 2025 – President Trump fires Kristi Noem.
- March 25, 2025 – Markwayne Mullin confirmed as DHS secretary.
- October 2025 – TSA video featuring Noem’s partisan message airs.
- March 2025 – Noem visits El Salvador’s CECOT facility and records a video.
- Last week (relative to article) – Mullin’s office emails CBP requesting video removal.
Data & Funding Highlights
Why It Matters: Implications for DHS Messaging and Policy
The purge seeks to eliminate overtly partisan content from official DHS channels, addressing concerns about Hatch Act compliance and the agency’s public image. Removing Noem’s videos also signals a shift away from some of her most controversial policies, though the department’s broader deportation campaign continues under Mullin’s leadership.
Official Statements & Responses
Criticism & Opposition
Ethics experts have criticized the October 2025 TSA spot for violating the Hatch Act by delivering a partisan message in an official capacity. Advocacy groups have also highlighted Noem’s role in the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota, adding to the controversy surrounding her tenure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The lack of an official DHS response leaves it unclear whether any Noem videos continue to be displayed. No independent verification of the removal request’s outcome has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If so, please kindly remove them as soon as possible and provide confirmation of removal,” — Markwayne Mullin’s office (email)
- “This is one of the consequences you could face,” — Kristi Noem, video posted to X
- “If the Trump administration has made a reality show out of its ICE raids, then Kristi Noem is the Kim Kardashian of the show,” — *HuffPost* editorial comment
- “DHS did not immediately respond Monday when asked if Noem was still being featured in public service announcements at airports or other ports of entry.” — *HuffPost* report
What’s Next: Ongoing Policy Shifts
Mullin has already begun rolling back the purchase of industrial warehouses for detention purposes, but the department’s deportation operations remain active. Further reviews of DHS media content are expected as the new secretary consolidates his leadership and addresses lingering controversies from the previous administration.
