President Trump retains Kristi Noem amid bipartisan resignation demands
President Trump has made a bold stand by keeping Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in her role despite mounting pressure from both sides of the aisle to see her go.
Following the tragic deaths of two 37-year-old U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis during a confrontation with federal agents, Trump announced on Tuesday a shift in leadership on the ground with border czar Tom Homan dispatched to ease tensions, while pulling back Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, and bipartisan calls for Noem’s resignation have intensified with Congress planning hearings and potential impeachment proceedings.
Initial Fallout and White House Response
The Minneapolis incident has sparked fierce debate over federal tactics in deportation operations.
On Sunday, as Washington, D.C., battled heavy snowfall, Trump reviewed footage of the shooting inside the White House, focusing particularly on the death of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis political agitator, the New York Post reported.
By Monday evening, Noem met with Trump for nearly two hours in the Oval Office, joined by key advisers and communications staff, to address the growing crisis.
Leadership Shifts in Minneapolis Operation
Critics argue that Noem’s handling of the situation has been inadequate, with some in Congress, including at least two Republican senators, openly calling for her to step down.
Trump, however, has doubled down on his support, stating, “No,” when asked if Noem would resign, and adding, “She’s doing a very good job. The border is totally secure.”
While standing by Noem, Trump questioned her labeling of the Minneapolis events as “domestic terrorism” and opted to reassign her public role, shifting her focus to other departmental duties like FEMA and border security.
Tom Homan Takes Charge in Minnesota
In a tactical pivot, Trump sent Tom Homan to Minneapolis on Tuesday to de-escalate clashes between federal agents and anti-ICE protesters.
Homan met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to sanctuary city policies despite federal funding threats.
Trump expressed optimism about Homan’s diplomatic skills, telling Fox News’ Will Cain, “He’s gotten along with governors and he gets along with mayors,” signaling hope for a calmer path forward.
Congressional Pushback and Public Optics
Meanwhile, Capitol Hill is gearing up for a showdown, with over half of House Democrats backing an impeachment resolution against Noem, led by Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois.
Even within Republican ranks, frustration brews—Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina didn’t mince words, calling Noem’s performance “amateurish” and insisting she should step aside.
Yet, Trump seems unfazed by the political heat, focusing instead on reshaping the narrative with staff shakeups and a keen eye on how this plays out in the public square, though one wonders if sidelining hard-charging tactics will be enough to quell the storm.






