Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly thanked President Donald Trump for appointing her as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, showing no resentment after her removal from the nation’s top immigration post following internal disputes and contentious congressional testimony.

New Role at Western Hemisphere Summit

Speaking at the Shield of the Americas summit at Trump National Doral outside Miami on Saturday, Noem expressed gratitude for the newly created position. The former South Dakota governor told assembled leaders from across the Western Hemisphere that the initiative would serve as a powerful example to the world. She framed the role as expanding border security cooperation beyond American borders to help neighboring nations address their own security challenges.

Noem defended her record at DHS, claiming the department secured the border and removed over 3 million people from the country during her tenure. She argued that eliminating what she called an invasion of unvetted enemies transformed America’s security posture. The former secretary contended that stronger enforcement now allows the administration to pivot toward economic and diplomatic engagement with regional partners.

Turbulent DHS Tenure Ends Early

Trump announced earlier this week that Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma will replace Noem as DHS Secretary effective March 31. Her departure followed a troubled stretch marked by internal conflicts and two difficult congressional hearings where Republicans questioned her leadership. The hearings focused partly on an advertising campaign that Noem claimed had presidential approval, though lawmakers challenged that assertion.

Regional Leaders Gather in Florida

The Doral summit brought together leaders from Argentina, El Salvador, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, and Paraguay. Notably absent were representatives from Venezuela and Mexico, two nations that share significant border and migration connections with the United States. The gathering emphasized cooperation on shared democratic values, freedom, and security challenges facing the Western Hemisphere.