Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has quietly moved into a new role at the State Department after her special envoy status expired last month. I mean, it’s not like she was sitting around twiddling her thumbs, waiting for something to do. Noem was fired by President Donald Trump from his Cabinet earlier this year after multiple controversies while she ran the Department of Homeland Security. You can’t make this stuff up, right? She then joined the State Department as a special envoy for “The Shield of the Americas,” focusing on the security of the Western Hemisphere — a much different position from her previous Cabinet role.
So, in her new role, she will continue working on similar matters, a State Department official told CNN. Because, why fix what ain’t broke, right? “Kristi Noem’s envoy status expired last month and she is no longer in the role,” the official said. “She is now a Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary Landau and continues to work on the Shield of the Americas portfolio.” I guess that’s one way to keep her busy and out of trouble.
Noem had previously reported to Landau in her role as special envoy, a source familiar said. It’s like they’re trying to keep her in a comfortable zone, you know? During a Shield of Americas meeting last month at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump praised Noem, saying, “I want to thank Kristi Noem for doing a really terrific job.” Similarly, Trump often publicly praised Noem during her tenure as Homeland Security secretary. Bless their hearts, they’re just full of kindness and praise.
But internally, her agency still faced tremendous pressure from the White House to deliver on the president’s immigration-enforcement priorities. As CNN has previously reported, citing officials, the agency’s aggressive — and at times, haphazard — approach fueled tensions within the department. Somewhere in Atlanta, a producer thought this sounded terrifying, I’m sure. Her ouster in March came after Noem told lawmakers that Trump approved of her agency’s lavish spending on an advertising campaign that prominently showcased her. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the American people need – more of Kristi Noem’s face on TV.
Trump “was pissed,” according to Louisiana GOP Sen. John Kennedy, who asked Noem about Trump’s involvement and got a call from the president later that day. I’m shocked, shocked, that Trump would be upset about something. Trump told NBC News that he didn’t know about the campaign and added that he “wasn’t thrilled with it.” Yeah, that’s exactly what you want to hear from your boss – that they’re not thrilled with your work.
Within two days of the hearing, Trump called Noem to let her know that he has decided to fire her, sources told CNN at the time. She learned of the president’s decision as she was arriving at an event in Nashville. I guess that’s one way to get the news – in person, with a side of country music. The president also immediately announced that he was selecting then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace her. Because, why wait, right?
Before joining the second Trump administration, Noem served as the governor of South Dakota and had established herself as a Trump loyalist. She was one of the earliest governors to endorse Trump ahead of his 2024 run for president, and was once considered a top potential running mate before eventually falling off the shortlist. I guess that’s what they mean by “loyal” – until you’re not needed anymore.
In conclusion, it’s been a wild ride for Kristi Noem, folks. From getting fired by Trump to landing a new role at the State Department, she’s definitely had her fair share of ups and downs. And let’s be real, it’s not like she’s going to be bored in her new role – she’ll still be working on similar matters, just with a fancier title. As I finish my coffee, I have to wonder – what’s next for Kristi Noem? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – it’ll be entertaining to watch. 🙄
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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