WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPTF) – Members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation are weighing in on President Trump’s decision to relieve Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of her duties, and nominating Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to succeed her.
After heavily criticizing Noem during a Senate hearing this week, Republican N.C. Sen. Thom Tillis commented on the President’s actions on the social media platform X.
“Senator Markwayne Mullin is a great guy and a great choice to lead DHS, restore competence, and refocus efforts on quickly distributing disaster aid, keeping the border secure, and targeting violent illegal immigrants for deportation. Another big positive: he likes dogs.” In April 2024, Noem faced intense, bipartisan backlash after it was revealed she wrote in her memoir about shooting and killing her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer, Cricket. Tillis mentioned the incident during the hearing, stating it shows a lack of judgement.
Junior Republican North Carolina U.S. Senator Ted Budd thanked Noem for helping secure assistance for Hurricane Helene victims in his statement.
“I am grateful to Secretary Noem for approving $155 million in public assistance funding to reimburse Western North Carolina communities following Hurricane Helene,” he said. These funds are vital to ensure cleanup and rebuilding efforts do not continue to strain local government budgets more than a year later.
“After numerous conversations with Secretary Noem about ensuring that new Helene recovery projects receive swift approval and reimbursement, I have agreed to lift my hold on the DHS General Counsel nominee, James Percival, as soon as the approved funds are received by Western North Carolina communities.
“In light of the unprecedented threats against the brave men and women of ICE and CBP, as well as the near constant legal challenges to President Trump’s efforts to enforce America’s immigration laws, I agree that ensuring DHS has strong legal representation is critical,” continued Budd.
Raleigh-area Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross commented: “Kristi Noem has been a disaster for North Carolina. Our state and our country are better off with her gone.
“Noem personally withheld disaster aid from communities still struggling to rebuild more than a year after Hurricane Helene. Families, small business, and local governments across Western North Carolina have been begging for her help while she prioritizes photo-ops and authorizes millions of dollars for private jets.,” stated Ross.
“Under Noem’s orders, ICE and CBP terrorized the people of North Carolina, focusing on Charlotte and Raleigh. Under her watch, federal immigration agents detained and killed American citizens, separat y follow ed children and families, and spread fear in our communities.
Ross went on to says that she will demand that the next secretary will “uphold the law, uphold the constitution, and deliver desperately needed aid to Western North Carolina.”
Republican Rep. Richard Hudson welcomed the appointment of Mullin, stating that, “Markwayne has been a fighter for our country and a strong voice for securing the border and keeping Americans safe. I look forward to working with him in this new role as we continue advancing commonsense solutions to protect our homeland. Well deserved.”
Republican Rep. Tim Moore said in a statement, “Markwayne Mullin has been a fighter for the American people, and he’ll do a great job as Secretary of DHS. I’ll be requesting an immediate review of all pending FEMA funds for Hurricane Helene recovery, and I look forward to working with him upon his confirmation.”