January 28, 2026
News / Trending / Democrats and Republicans Now Join Forces to Request the Resignation of Kristi Noem

Democrats and Republicans Now Join Forces to Request the Resignation of Kristi Noem

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Bipartisan pressure mounts as both Democrats and Republicans call for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s resignation amid controversy.

Kristi Noem

Secretary of DHS Kristi Noem



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Pressure on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is growing. Now, both Democrats and Republicans want her to resign. On Tuesday, Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska became the first Republicans to call for her resignation. 2 weeks ago, the Democrats were calling for her impeachment.

The issue is more than just a leadership fight. It involves federal immigration enforcement, recent shootings in Minneapolis, and how DHS explains events. This has raised questions about transparency in public service.

DHS didn’t comment on the senators’ remarks. The White House said President Donald Trump supports Kristi Noem. Yet, the story is gaining momentum. Democrats and some Republicans say a high-profile Republican cannot continue without clear answers. Kristi Noem revealed threats against President Trump late last year.

The urgency is heightened by a looming deadline. Congress faces a funding deadline that could trigger a partial government shutdown. Lawmakers are discussing oversight, operations, and Kristi Noem’s future simultaneously.

For more on the growing backlash, including impeachment talk and warnings from party leaders, see this report on the DHS backlash.

Kristi Noem Key Takeaways

  • Sens. Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski were the first GOP senators to call for Kristi Noem to resign.
  • The controversy centers on DHS leadership amid immigration enforcement activity and shootings in Minneapolis.
  • DHS did not respond publicly to the senators’ remarks.
  • The White House pointed to President Donald Trump’s continued support for Kristi Noem.
  • A looming funding deadline is raising the stakes for DHS oversight and public service accountability.
  • The moment is testing how a Republican politician manages pressure that could shape her political career.

What Sparked the Bipartisan Push for Resignation

Pressure on Kristi Noem has grown fast, and it’s not just from one party. Lately, she’s faced tough questions about her judgment, oversight, and trustworthiness. These are key expectations for a Cabinet leader.

Things got worse after the events in Minnesota. Critics there wanted clearer answers and stronger accountability. A union-led call for an outside investigation, mentioned in this report on Alex Pretti’s death, made things even more heated.

First GOP senators to call for her to step down

Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski were the first Republicans to say Noem should resign. Their voices mattered because many GOP lawmakers try to avoid open fights over immigration.

For some Republicans, it’s not about party loyalty but performance. They believe strong leadership means owning up to mistakes, sharing facts fast, and following clear standards that reflect conservative values.

Tillis says he has “no” confidence in Noem

When asked if he trusted Noem, Tillis said, “No, not at all. I think she should go.” He also called her decisions amateurish, saying they don’t fit the role of a Cabinet member.

Tillis, who’s not running again, said he can’t take pride in the last year. He said the decision is up to Noem or President Donald Trump, but made his opinion clear.

Murkowski’s blunt assessment of DHS leadership

Murkowski was even more direct, telling NBC News, “Yes, she should go,” and saying Noem shouldn’t run DHS. Her comments showed she’s serious, not just making a quick protest.

Her stance highlighted a growing split in the GOP. For those who value conservative values, Murkowski’s message was clear: strong leadership means steady management and honest communication.

Kristi Noem Under Fire: DHS Actions, Minnesota Incident, and Accountability

Kristi Noem is facing intense scrutiny over how DHS’s powers are used. Critics say public service needs calm facts first, when force is involved, and trust is fragile.

Federal shootings intensify scrutiny

Leadership questions grew after two fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti was killed recently, and Renee Good earlier this month. This has raised concerns about training, rules of engagement, and oversight.

Union leaders and community groups call for transparent reviews. They say strong leadership means seeking independent facts quickly, not just defending an agency. Reporting on this has kept the issue in the spotlight, including details in a Minneapolis shooting investigation update.

Disputed account after Alex Pretti’s death

After Pretti’s death, Kristi Noem backed the officers, saying Pretti had approached with a gun and resisted. Eyewitness video later raised doubts. This has made demands for clear timelines, verified statements, and accountability urgent.

The disagreement has also tested Kristi Noem’s claims about steady decision-making under pressure. Critics argue that public service requires statements that align with the best available evidence, even when facts are uncertain.

Operational changes on the ground in Minneapolis

Operations in Minneapolis have changed with Tom Homan taking over immigration enforcement. This has raised questions about priorities, directives, and feedback.

  • Command clarity in fast-moving enforcement actions
  • Data transparency around arrests, detentions, and use-of-force incidents
  • Coordination between DHS headquarters, ICE, and CBP

Internal friction at DHS has been reported, including pressure to increase arrests and uneven data releases. These dynamics are part of the broader story in coverage of deportation targets and DHS.

Political Fallout: Republicans Split, Democrats Press, and Trump Stands by Noem

Washington is buzzing with debate over Kristi Noem’s future. Both parties are putting pressure on her. The White House is focusing on border security, making her leadership a daily challenge.

Kristi Noem

White House response and Trump’s public support

President Donald Trump praises Kristi Noem’s work at the border. He credits her and others for their efforts, saying it’s a team effort. He sees it as a success based on conservative values.

The White House is being cautious about the Minnesota case. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the president wants facts first. Trump, though, continues to support his DHS pick.

Other Republicans react: confidence, caution, and calls for changes

Republicans have mixed views. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says a cabinet secretary’s fate is up to the president. This makes Trump’s support key.

  • Sen. Cynthia Lummis supports Noem, focusing on enforcement goals.
  • Sen. James Lankford wants policy changes and a review in Minnesota.
  • Sen. Susan Collins suggests a pause in parts of Minnesota and Maine.

Kristi Noem’s decisions are critical for her political future. She’s a key figure in the Republican Party with national ambitions. Her leadership at DHS affects public trust.

Democrats argue resignation won’t change the broader approach

Many Democrats want Kristi Noem to resign. But some see the real issue as the direction of immigration policy. Sen. Chris Murphy believes changing secretaries won’t alter the operation’s direction.

Sen. Tim Kaine thinks removing Noem could be wise for the administration. Yet, he emphasizes the importance of the next leadership chain. The debate is about setting priorities and accountability, not just one person’s career.

Funding bill deadline raises the stakes for DHS oversight

The Senate faces a midnight Friday deadline to pass a funding bill. Democrats may block it unless it includes clear immigration-enforcement rules. Sen. Chris Murphy wants these rules written into the bill.

Sen. Brian Schatz says talks are constructive, but time is running out. More details are in the Fox News report on the debate over oversight and leadership at DHS.

Kristi Noem Conclusion

The calls for Kristi Noem to resign have grown louder. Senators from both parties, Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, have spoken out. This shows that doubts about her leadership are widespread, not just among Democrats.

The situation is complex, with DHS facing scrutiny over its actions in Minneapolis. There are also questions about the Alex Pretti incident and its handling. These issues have turned a political debate into a bigger question about trust and integrity in public service.

President Donald Trump has come to Kristi Noem’s defense. Yet, the White House suggests that investigations will provide the truth. This situation keeps the governor in the public eye, with some defending her and others calling for accountability. You can read more about this in a PBS NewsHour report.

The debate now centers on DHS funding, with Congress considering new oversight measures. Even if Kristi Noem remains in office, the discussion is shifting expectations for leaders. The question remains: Can DHS regain trust while South Dakota’s governor faces growing calls to step down?

Kristi Noem FAQ

Which Republicans in Congress first called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign?

Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) were the first to call for Kristi Noem’s resignation. They broke with many GOP lawmakers who had not directly criticized her leadership.

Why did Sen. Thom Tillis say he wants Kristi Noem to step aside?

Tillis lost confidence in Noem. He said, “No, not at all. I think she should go.” He criticized her leadership as unprofessional for a Cabinet role.

What was Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s assessment of DHS leadership under Kristi Noem?

Murkowski said Noem should leave DHS. She told NBC News, “Yes, she should go.” This shows Republican concerns are not just from Democrats.

What incidents in Minneapolis intensified scrutiny of Kristi Noem and DHS operations?

The controversy grew after federal officers killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. There was also an immigration officer, Renee Good, raising questions about enforcement and use of force.

What did Kristi Noem say about the shooting death of Alex Pretti, and why is it disputed?

Noem defended the officers, saying Pretti had a gun and resisted. But eyewitness video showed Pretti unarmed, sparking calls for truth and accountability.

What operational change did DHS make in Minneapolis after the controversy?

Tom Homan became the primary point of contact for immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. He replaced Gregory Bovino, sparking debate over leadership and decision-making.

How did the White House respond to the calls for Kristi Noem’s resignation?

DHS didn’t comment on the senators’ remarks. The White House cited Trump’s support for Noem, saying investigations should guide conclusions.

What has President Donald Trump said about Kristi Noem’s performance at DHS?

Trump supports Noem, calling her border work successful. He wants the investigation to proceed before making judgments.

How are other Republicans reacting to the pressure on Kristi Noem?

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Noem serves at the president’s pleasure. Some Republicans support her, while others suggest changes.

Why do some Democrats say Kristi Noem’s resignation would not change immigration enforcement?

Democrats believe the White House drives policy, not just DHS. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said Noem is “unqualified,” but the next secretary would be similar.

How is the DHS controversy colliding with the government funding deadline?

The pressure on Noem is high as the Senate faces a funding deadline. Democrats will block the bill unless it includes accountability measures.

What role does DHS oversight play in the current Senate funding negotiations?

Democrats want written limits and accountability in the bill. Republicans must balance support for enforcement with scrutiny of DHS operations.

Who is Kristi Noem beyond her DHS role, and why does her political profile matter now?

Kristi Noem is known as a Republican politician and former South Dakota governor. Her past shapes opinions on her leadership at DHS amid calls for resignation.

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