President Donald J. Trump dismissed rumors that he is considering replacing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem during a Wednesday roundtable with business leaders, calling her performance “fantastic.”
In remarks to reporters, Trump stated: “I read a story recently that I’m unhappy with Kristi—I’m so happy with her… We have a border that’s the best border in the history of our country. Why would I be unhappy? She’s fantastic, actually.”
The White House has rejected reports indicating that Noem is on “very thin ice” and that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was leading efforts to replace her. These claims alleged dissatisfaction with Noem’s pace in building new detention centers and handling Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and disaster relief funds.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson labeled the reports “total Fake News,” asserting: “Secretary Noem is doing a great job implementing the President’s agenda and making America safe again.”
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin also criticized the claims, adding: “I can’t speak for the President, but I’ve seen more credible reporting on Bigfoot.”
