Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces backlash for mass deportations, wasteful spending, and defiance of court orders under Trump’s second term.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, confirmed in January 2025, faces growing scrutiny amid an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign under President Trump’s second term. She has overseen record detentions, expanded controversial detention sites, and deployed luxury deportation aircraft, including jets purchased without engines. Noem admitted to deporting 261 individuals to a prison camp in El Salvador despite a court order. Her leadership has drawn criticism over wasteful spending, including a $200 million no-bid contract for anti-immigrant ads, and allegations of abuse by DHS agents. While facing calls for resignation during a December House hearing, she dismissed the demand as an endorsement. Reports indicate she is losing favor with Trump and senior adviser Stephen Miller, raising questions about her future, though her role remains uncertain.