President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he has no plans to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump gave a blunt "No" when asked if Noem would step down. He insisted the Secretary is doing a "great job" and praised her efforts to secure the nation’s borders.
The President’s public show of support comes as Noem faces a firestorm of criticism over recent events in Minneapolis. Federal agents have been involved in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, during immigration operations this month. Trump acknowledged the situation is "very sad" but maintained his confidence in Noem’s overall leadership.
President Trump on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: "I think she's doing a very good job. The border is totally secure." pic.twitter.com/EOy6GFkIQN
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 27, 2026
Senator John Fetterman issued a direct appeal to Trump on Tuesday, demanding Noem’s immediate firing. Fetterman accused the Secretary of "betraying" the core mission of the Department of Homeland Security. He warned that Noem’s actions are "trashing" the administration’s border security legacy and urged the President to act quickly.
The Pennsylvania Senator described the ongoing federal surge in Minneapolis as an "ungovernable and dangerous urban theatre." Unlike some in his party, Fetterman has previously supported ICE and rejected calls to abolish the agency. However, he argues that the current "grossly incompetent" leadership at DHS has made the city unsafe for both civilians and law enforcement.
President Trump confirmed that a "big investigation" is currently underway regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. He promised a "very honorable and honest" review of the facts and said he would be watching the process closely. Despite the investigation, the White House continues to emphasize that the federal government will not back down from its immigration goals.
The President’s support for Noem remains firm even as House Democrats move forward with impeachment proceedings. Trump recently dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee operations and coordinate with local officials. The administration believes that with Homan on the ground and Noem at the helm, the rule of law will be restored.