House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated on Tuesday that the Republican Party was undergoing a "course-correction mode" following the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In an interview with NBC News' Scott Wong, Johnson acknowledged a setback with Hispanic and Latino voters due to perceived over-zealousness in immigration enforcement.
During the annual House Republican retreat in Florida, Johnson mentioned that the party would have a new Secretary of Homeland Security and expressed confidence in the confirmation of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who was nominated by former President Trump for the role.
President Trump announced Noem's departure after revelations from congressional hearings that she spent $220 million on TV ads featuring herself. Some of the funds were channeled through an intermediary to a company owned by Noem's former spokeswoman's husband. Noem was criticized for her ad appearances, including one filmed in front of Mount Rushmore on horseback, where she highlighted legal immigrants' pursuit of the "American dream."
Despite Noem attributing the ad spending to Trump's directive, the President denied any knowledge of it. Sources close to the White House indicated that Trump's dissatisfaction with Noem's handling of the situation led to her dismissal. Noem also faced scrutiny for her response to questions about alleged personal relationships with her aide Corey Lewandowski during congressional hearings.
The former South Dakota governor's term at the Department of Homeland Security was further marred by fatal shootings during immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Requests for comments from DHS representatives were not immediately answered.
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