Two Republican Senators Call for Kristi Noem to Resign as DHS Secretary

Bipartisan push challenges Noem’s leadership after controversies over federal immigration enforcement; GOP cracks signal growing unease in Washington

In a striking development on Capitol Hill, two **Republican U.S. senators — Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski — publicly called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign from her post, marking a rare break within the GOP over leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bipartisan pressure comes amid intense scrutiny of the department’s immigration enforcement actions, especially following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, which sparked political backlash across the country.

A Rare Republican Break

Senators Thom Tillis (R‑North Carolina) and Lisa Murkowski (R‑Alaska) became the first Republican lawmakers to urge a top official in the Trump administration to step down, underscoring the seriousness of the political moment. Tillis told reporters that he has “no confidence” in Noem’s leadership and believes her performance has been “amateurish” and unacceptable for someone heading a cabinet‑level department. According to Tillis, her handling of recent events, including the controversial actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, has damaged the administration’s credibility and effectiveness.

Murkowski similarly said she believes it’s “probably time for her to step down,” noting that although she had supported Noem’s confirmation last year, current events have changed her view. Her comments signal concern that the Homeland Security leadership hasn’t managed recent crises effectively and that accountability at the highest levels is necessary.

The calls from Tillis and Murkowski are particularly noteworthy because Republican lawmakers have largely supported Noem and the broader immigration enforcement agenda pursued by the Trump administration. Their public statements break with the usual party unity and add weight to mounting criticism that has so far been led predominantly by Democrats.

Context: Controversy Over Immigration Enforcement

The push for Noem’s resignation is closely linked to public outrage over two fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents. In the most high‑profile case, Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive care nurse, was shot by Border Patrol agents during an enforcement operation. Noem’s initial defence of the agents — including statements that painted Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” — drew widespread criticism, especially after video footage raised questions about that characterization.

Another individual, Renee Nicole Good, was also killed earlier in a separate federal action, compounding public outcry and pushing lawmakers to take a harder line on Homeland Security’s leadership. Critics argue that Noem failed to provide clear oversight, transparency, or accountability following these incidents, fueling calls for her to step down.

Democrats have been vocal in their criticism for weeks. House and Senate Democrats have introduced impeachment resolutions, demanded Noem’s firing, or called for her resignation, arguing that her policies and statements have misled the public and harmed communities. The bipartisan turn by Republicans like Tillis and Murkowski represents a rare moment of cross‑party skepticism toward an administration cabinet official.

What Tillis and Murkowski Are Saying

Senator Thom Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, has been especially blunt. He described Noem’s leadership as “disqualifying,” saying that what has happened in Minnesota and in broader immigration enforcement “should be disqualifying” for a DHS secretary: “I think she should go.” Tillis called her approach “amateurish” and said it has negatively affected the administration’s immigration agenda — an issue he believes Republicans should be able to own and defend effectively.

Senator Lisa Murkowski echoed these sentiments. A member of the Senate Republican leadership, Murkowski has a reputation for sometimes breaking with her party’s mainstream on high‑profile issues. She told reporters that the president should reconsider who is leading the DHS and noted that she “would not support her again” in future confirmation scenarios. Her stance underscores that backing Noem is no longer a foregone conclusion, even among some Trump allies.

Despite their calls, other Republican senators have been more cautious. Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to weigh in on whether he has confidence in Noem, saying only that she serves at the pleasure of the president. Some GOP lawmakers have voiced support for Noem, while others have urged restraint, suggesting policy adjustments rather than outright calls for resignation.

White House Response

The White House has reacted by reaffirming President Donald Trump’s support for Noem. In public remarks, Trump praised her work, calling it a “tremendous success,” and stated that she will remain in her role despite mounting criticism. Trump has also shifted operational oversight in Minneapolis by sending a “border czar” to take over specific aspects of the effort, an apparent attempt to ease tensions without removing Noem from her post.

This presidential backing suggests that, for now, Noem’s job remains secure — even as bipartisan pressure continues to grow. The debate over her leadership has become a flashpoint in wider discussions about immigration enforcement, executive accountability, and the Trump administration’s priorities ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Broader Political Implications

Republican calls for a cabinet official’s resignation are rare, particularly while the same party holds the White House and congressional majorities. That two GOP senators have publicly broken rank highlights just how politically volatile the current immigration controversy has become. Analysts suggest that if criticism continues to build — and if additional Republicans lend their voices — the debate over Noem’s future could force internal White House deliberations on leadership strategy and political messaging.

Moreover, the timing of these calls — amid impeachment threats from Democratic leaders and ongoing public protest over federal enforcement actions — may position Noem’s fate as both a policy and political test case for how far lawmakers are willing to go in holding a cabinet official accountable for agency outcomes.

What’s Next

In the coming weeks, attention will likely focus on whether additional Republicans join Tillis and Murkowski in calling for Noem’s resignation, whether the House advances impeachment resolutions, and how the Trump administration responds if calls for change grow louder. A planned Senate hearing with Noem in early March may also serve as a critical moment for testing her support among lawmakers from both parties — potentially shaping the future of federal immigration enforcement leadership in the years ahead.