The Record  Trump’s second term, documented
The people and interests behind it

He fired his own Homeland Security secretary over a nine-figure, taxpayer-funded ad campaign starring her, after a Republican senator raised fraud allegations and she claimed the president had personally signed off on the spending.

March 5, 2026His own side confirms

In March 2026 Trump fired Kristi Noem, the first cabinet shakeup of his second term, amid questions over a taxpayer-funded ad campaign of roughly $200 million that prominently featured the secretary, including footage of her on horseback at Mount Rushmore. Republican Senator John Kennedy joined Democrats in pressing her on the spending, which drew allegations of fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest. Noem said Trump had personally signed off on it; Trump denied that to Reuters. He softened the ouster by naming her to a newly created envoy role.

SourcesNoem fired amid spending questions; Trump denies signing off (Government Executive) · Fired over a nine-figure ad campaign featuring herself (PBS News) · Trump fires Noem, taps Mullin (NBC News)

Named hereKristi Noem

He fired his own Homeland Security secretary over a nine-figure, taxpayer-funded ad campaign starring her, after a Republican senator raised fraud allegations and she claimed the president had personally signed off on the spending.
More on this
The man who runs the U.S. Forest Service called in an air fleet for a 7-acre fire near his own ranch.A small circle tied to one investor holds key posts while his companies win billions in contracts.His Commerce Secretary kept sweeping financial conflicts while running trade policy.

← Back to the full record