Republican Senators Join Calls for Homeland Security Secretary's Resignation
Two prominent Republican senators have dramatically escalated pressure on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, declaring she should lose her position following controversial federal shootings in Minneapolis that have sparked bipartisan outrage.
Bipartisan Condemnation Over Minneapolis Incident
The political firestorm intensified when Customs and Border Protection officials in Minneapolis fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, on Saturday. In the immediate aftermath, Secretary Noem described Pretti as a "domestic terrorist" - a characterisation that has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Senator Thom Tillis, a retiring Republican from North Carolina, delivered particularly scathing criticism, telling The Independent: "I think that what she's done in Minnesota should be disqualifying; she should be out of a job. It's just amateurish. It's terrible. It's making the president look bad on policies that he won on."
Growing Republican Dissent
Tillis has become increasingly critical of Trump administration officials, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who claimed Pretti had "tried to assassinate federal law enforcement." The White House has not distanced itself from these comments, which Vice President JD Vance retweeted.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican from Alaska, joined the criticism, stating: "The Secretary has an opportunity, in fact, she has an obligation to control these situations that are under her jurisdiction, and she has not done so, and rhetoric like that does not help. She has, through her words and I think interactions, taken a direction that has not been helpful to the situation."
Murkowski, who surprised many last year by voting for President Donald Trump's immigration funding bill, confirmed she would not support Noem again: "I voted for her. I think the President needs to look at who he has in place. As the Secretary of Homeland Security, I would not support her again, and I think it's probably time for her to step down."
Democratic Opposition Intensifies
Democrats had already called for Noem's removal following the Minneapolis shooting, but the controversy has now drawn in senators who originally voted to confirm her appointment. Senator Jeane Shaheen of New Hampshire, who supported Noem's confirmation, stated unequivocally: "I think Kristi Noem should resign or be removed. She clearly does not know what she's doing. She's not up to the job. She's lied to the American public, and it's time for her to go."
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia echoed this sentiment, reflecting: "I got 50 decisions I have to make today. So I don't think back a year ago, but boy, if I was voting today, I'd vote against her."
Republican Divisions and Deflections
Even Republicans who generally support Noem have distanced themselves from her characterisation of Pretti. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma told The Independent: "I don't call him a domestic terrorist," while others avoided direct commentary on the Secretary's remarks.
Noem retains powerful allies, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a fellow South Dakotan who worked with her during her governorship. Senator Mike Rounds, also from South Dakota, advocated for patience, stating: "I think we should have a full and complete investigation, and then we'll be able to make a determination."
Broader Political Implications
The Minneapolis crisis emerges ahead of crucial funding deadlines, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer confirming Democrats will oppose spending packages that include funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This positions the Department of Homeland Security at the centre of another contentious budget battle.
Tillis extended his criticism beyond Noem to include top CBP official Greg Bovino, whose reported removal was denied by the White House: "Bovino, whatever his name is, he needs to go back to California, get his retirement papers and go. These people are amateurs. They got to de-escalate there and treat these communities with some respect."
The growing bipartisan consensus suggests Secretary Noem faces unprecedented pressure, with her handling of the Minneapolis shootings and subsequent comments creating rare unity between moderate Republicans and Democrats in demanding accountability at the highest levels of homeland security leadership.
