Category: Kristi noem
Trump’s unusual Cabinet meeting may reveal which officials are on thin ice
President Donald Trump skipped over some key Cabinet secretaries on Thursday, leaving onlookers to speculate about who may be on the outs.
During the 10th Cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump wrapped up the gathering after a prompt hour and 20 minutes. Trump made the exceedingly rare decision not to take questions at the end of the meeting, and those tuning in noticed he skipped over some high-profile officials who are currently under intense scrutiny.
‘Noem has come under fire from both Democrats and some Republicans.’
The most notable Cabinet official who seems to have been snubbed was Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is at the center of a PR firestorm following another fatal shooting of an anti-ICE agitator in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Noem and other officials like top White House adviser Stephen Miller caught flak for their immediate categorization of Alex Pretti, calling him a “would-be assassin” who committed acts of “domestic terrorism.” Footage has since emerged of a man believed to be Pretti spitting on federal agents and kicking the taillights out of a government vehicle just days before he was fatally shot following another altercation.
RELATED: ‘Justice is coming’: Border czar Tom Homan vows to stay in Minneapolis ‘until the problem is gone’
Yuri Gripas/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Despite these new revelations, Noem has come under fire from both Democrats and some Republicans. The Trump administration has since swapped out Noem’s leadership on the ground, reassigning Chief Greg Bovino and bringing border czar Tom Homan onto the operation.
Trump also glossed over Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose first year in office has been primarily plagued by frustration over the handling of the Epstein files. Similarly, Bondi is now being criticized for the perceived inaction amid the situation in Minneapolis after she touted another “very strong letter” she sent to Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota.
While Noem and Bondi have received negative press for their professional duties, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s personal life has been the focal point of a recent scandal.
Multiple department staff have been put on leave in recent weeks after an inspector general’s investigation was launched into Chavez-DeRemer’s alleged misconduct. The probe alleges that two staff members engaged in “travel fraud” by scheduling professional events as an excuse for personal travel while Chavez-DeRemer reportedly had an “inappropriate” relationship with a subordinate.
Although an internal investigation is ongoing, Chavez-DeRemer’s lack of participation during the Cabinet meeting is notable.
RELATED: ‘Horrifying situation’: Some Republicans retreat following Minneapolis shooting of anti-ICE agitator
Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Another Cabinet member who refrained from speaking during Thursday’s meeting was Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio has been center stage in the news cycle for weeks following the capture of Nicolas Maduro and as tensions in Iran escalate.
While Trump did not ask Rubio to speak, Rubio did spend hours testifying on Capitol Hill Wednesday in defense of the administration and its agenda.
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‘Justice is coming’: Border czar Tom Homan vows to stay in Minneapolis ‘until the problem is gone’
President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, pledged to stay and clean up Minneapolis until justice is served.
Homan traveled to Minneapolis this week in the aftermath of a second fatal shooting of an anti-ICE agitator. Despite new footage apparently showing Alex Pretti, the radical killed over the weekend, spitting on federal agents and kicking out a tail light, violent activists are continuing to ravage Minneapolis.
‘They’ll be held accountable.’
“The reason for the massive deployment is because of the threats, because of the violence,” Homan said during a Thursday press conference. “… We brought extra resources in to provide that security.”
“When the violence decreases, we can draw down those resources.”
RELATED: Alex Pretti broke a rib in a previous altercation with feds a week before he died: CNN
Ben Brewer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Homan suggested that many of these violent mobs are not organic, but rather organized and well-funded groups of agitators motivated by ideology. Although he didn’t specify the approach, Homan committed to holding these agitators accountable.
“About the organization and the funding of the attacks on ICE,” Homan said. “I’m not going to answer a lot about that, because I’m not going to show our hand, but they’ll be held accountable. Justice is coming.”
Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images
Homan said a lot of progress has been made since he arrived in Minneapolis on Monday, claiming Minnesota has agreed to allow county jails to notify federal agencies like ICE when illegal aliens are released so they can be taken into custody. Although Homan acknowledged that this is a step in the right direction, he is committed to staying in Minnesota until the work is done.
Blaze News has reached out to Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for comment.
“I’m staying until the problem is gone,” Homan said.
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NOEM DOING ‘GREAT JOB’: Trump Defends DHS Secretary Amid Calls to Step Down [WATCH]
![NOEM DOING ‘GREAT JOB’: Trump Defends DHS Secretary Amid Calls to Step Down [WATCH]](https://hannity.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2258518759-300x200.jpg "President Trump Departs D.C. En Route To Iowa")
President Donald Trump made it crystal clear Tuesday:
‘Horrifying situation’: Some Republicans retreat following Minneapolis shooting of anti-ICE agitator
Several Republican lawmakers are sounding the alarm following another shooting in Minnesota.
Anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, with the Department of Homeland Security saying he “violently resisted” when agents attempted to disarm him. This is the second fatal shooting of an anti-ICE agitator in Minnesota. Renee Good was shot earlier this month after turning her car and accelerating toward an agent.
‘The killing yesterday … should raise serious questions.’
Administration officials like DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and top adviser Stephen Miller have branded Pretti a “would-be assassin” who committed acts of “domestic terrorism.”
This comes after weeks of mob violence, theft, and property destruction in response to ICE presence in Minneapolis. These often coordinated acts are indiscriminately aimed at federal agents conducting lawful operations. The protesters are also threatening journalists simply exposing their violent tactics and even intimidating local churchgoers.
While the investigation continues, some Republican senators and representatives have made an effort to distance themselves from what they called a “horrifying situation.”
RELATED: Democrats threaten to shut down government over ICE funding: ‘We are not powerless’
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Several senators who are known to buck the Trump administration came out with critical statements following the shooting, citing claims that conflict with DHS’ narrative.
“The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said in a post on X. “The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission.”
“Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American — especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed,” Murkowski said. “A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work. ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties.”
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is notably retiring, said officials jumping to conclusions could risk tarnishing President Donald Trump’s legacy.
“There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday’s Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting,” Tillis said in a post on X. “For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy.”
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Other senators who have otherwise supported the administration also expressed skepticism after the shooting, calling for a thorough investigation.
“The nation witnessed a horrifying situation this weekend,” Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska said in a post on X. “My prayers are with the family of Alex Pretti.”
“My support for funding ICE remains the same. Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer,” Ricketts clarified ahead of a major Senate vote on DHS funding. “It also protects our national security. But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble. I expect a prioritized, transparent investigation into this incident.”
Ricketts’ Republican colleague Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania echoed a criticism put forth by the National Rifle Association, saying Pretti was lawfully exercising his right to carry a firearm.
“As I have often said, I support the Border Patrol, ICE, and the critical work they do to enforce our laws,” McCormick said in a post on X. “Irresponsible rhetoric and a lack of cooperation from Minnesota’s politicians are fueling a dangerous situation. I also agree with the NRA and others — we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts. We must enforce our laws in a way that protects the public while maintaining its trust. This gives our law enforcement officers the best chance to succeed in their difficult mission.”
RELATED: Vance crushes false narrative about ICE ‘arresting’ 5-year-old boy
Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images
While several Republicans remained critical, others like Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma came in defense of the Trump administration, suggesting protesters had crossed the line into obstructing law enforcement.
“Law-abiding citizens have every right to carry a firearm,” Mullin said in a post on X. “You DO NOT have a right to obstruct law enforcement activity, or commit another felony with one. This is not difficult.”
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Rioter bit off part of federal agent’s finger amid Minneapolis ‘rampant assault,’ DHS says
President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared graphic images to social media Saturday evening apparently showing part of a Homeland Security Investigations officer’s finger — in a jar.
McLaughlin said Minneapolis “rioters attacked our law enforcement officer and one of them bit off our HSI officer’s finger.”
‘This avoidable tragedy is a result of the total failure of Minnesota’s city and state officials.’
“He will lose his finger,” added McLaughlin.
One of the photographs appears to show a medic tending to an HSI officer who is missing the end of the fourth digit on his right hand. Another photo apparently shows the missing piece of the finger with its nail intact inside a plastic container.
The alleged incident — which U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) cited as the latest sign that Trump should invoke the Insurrection Act — came just hours after an armed 37-year-old Illinois native identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot amid a struggle with federal agents.
Pretti’s ex-wife told the Associated Press that he was a Democratic voter with a permit to carry a concealed firearm who previously took to the streets in 2020 to protest the death of George Floyd. Pretti’s father, Michael Pretti, said he warned his son about protesting, telling him “do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically.”
The AP added that family members said Pretti was an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital who “cared deeply about people” and was upset by Trump’s “immigration crackdown in his city.”
Photographer: Jaida Grey Eagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Department of Homeland security said its “law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted.”
More from the DHS post on X:
Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID—this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.
In addition to asking about Pretti’s firearm, Trump wondered, “Where are the local police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE officers? The mayor and the governor called them off? It is stated that many of these police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves — not an easy thing to do!”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that an investigation into the shooting is underway but stressed that “this avoidable tragedy is a result of the total failure of Minnesota’s city and state officials who have resisted federal law enforcement and created this escalation.”
Multitudes of radicals converged on the location of Pretti’s shooting and immediately began clashing with federal agents.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem noted that the protesters who rushed to the scene “began to obstruct and to assault law enforcement officers. We saw objects being thrown at them, including ice and other objects.”
“A rampant assault began and even an HSI officer agent’s finger was bitten off,” added Noem, who faulted Democrat Gov. Tim Walz for branding ICE as the “gestapo” and other Democrats for effectively painting targets on federal immigration officers’ backs.
Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on Saturday at the request of Democrat Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt also asked for support from the National Guard at the B.H. Whipple Federal Building.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that role of the Minnesota National Guard “is to work in support of local law enforcement and emergency responders, providing additional resources. Their presence is meant to help create a secure environment where all Minnesotans can exercise their rights safely, including the right to peacefully protest.”
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LAND OF 10,000 FAKES: Noem Announces 10K Arrests of Illegal Criminal Migrants in Minnesota
Minneapolis is getting the full federal treatment.
As Tim Walz Encourages Resistance, Minnesota ‘ICE Watch’ Declares ‘Time Is Ripe To Embrace Militancy’
The “ICE Watch” group at the center of the unruly demonstrations gripping Minneapolis urged supporters to “embrace militancy” and escalate their demands “by any means necessary.” Hours later, Minnesota governor Tim Walz (D.) also encouraged residents to resist ICE, accusing the agency of carrying out a “campaign of organized brutality.”
The post As Tim Walz Encourages Resistance, Minnesota ‘ICE Watch’ Declares ‘Time Is Ripe To Embrace Militancy’ appeared first on .
‘You’re a left-wing hack!’ Karoline Leavitt rips journalist over ‘biased’ ICE claims
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt torched a “left-wing” reporter who challenged the administration’s defense of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill, asked Leavitt to defend Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s remarks claiming ICE is “doing everything correctly.” Stanage pointed to the shooting of Renee Good that has engulfed the media, as well as deaths and alleged improper detainments over the last year.
‘You should be reporting on the facts.’
“Secretary Noem spoke to the media and she said, among other things, that they are doing everything correctly,” Stanage said. “32 people died in ICE custody last year, 170 U.S. citizens were detained by ICE, and Renee Good was shot in the head and killed by an ICE agent. How does that equate to them doing everything correctly?”
“Why was Renee Good unfortunately and tragically killed?” Leavitt returned.
RELATED: ICE officer suffered internal bleeding following Renee Good incident: Report
Leavitt sparred with Stanage, noting that he intentionally withheld figures that outline successful deportations of illegal aliens and the removal of violent criminals from America.
“Because an ICE agent acted recklessly,” Stanage replied.
“Oh, okay! So you’re a biased reporter with a left-wing opinion,” Leavitt said.
“You’re a left-wing hack! You’re not a reporter. You’re posing in this room as a journalist, and it’s so clear by the premise of your question.”
“You and the people in the media who have such biases but fake like you’re a journalist, you shouldn’t even be sitting in that seat. But you’re pretending like you’re a journalist, but you’re a left-wing activist, and the question that you just raised and your answer proves your bias. You should be reporting on the facts.”
RELATED: ‘Don’t make a bad decision’: ICE officer warns smug leftists allegedly trailing agents in their SUVs
Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Leavitt grilled Stanage for failing to name the innocent Americans who were killed by illegal aliens, doubling down and defending ICE’s role in deporting violent criminals.
“Do you have the numbers of how many American citizens were killed at the hands of illegal aliens who ICE is trying to remove from this country? I bet you don’t,” Leavitt said. “I bet you didn’t even read up on those stories. I bet you never even read about Laken Riley or Jocelyn Nungaray or all of the innocent Americans who were killed at the hands of illegal aliens in this country.”
“The brave men and women of ICE are doing everything in their power to remove those heinous individuals and make our communities safer. And shame on people like you in the media who have a crooked view and have a biased view and pretend like you’re a real honest journalist.”
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Trump Administration Revokes Temporary Protected Status for Somalis, Including Hundreds in Fraud-Plagued Minnesota
The Department of Homeland Security ended temporary protected status (TPS) for thousands of Somali nationals in the United States as the Trump administration continues its investigations of sprawling Somali-related welfare fraud in Minnesota.
The post Trump Administration Revokes Temporary Protected Status for Somalis, Including Hundreds in Fraud-Plagued Minnesota appeared first on .
