U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attends a "Five Eyes" security alliance summit for talks on people smuggling and child sexual abuse, in London, Britain, September 8, 2025. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
Coming on the heels of rumors that Donald Trump might be looking to ditch Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a new report from Axios revealed that she has become embroiled in a feud with another top Trump official: Tom Homan.
A director for ICE during Trump's first term and a contributor to Project 2025, Homan currently serves as the president's "border czar," a role in which he oversees Trump's mass deportation plans for undocumented immigrants. Immigration law enforcement also falls under the purview of Noem's DHS, but Axios's report claims that "the acrimony is so deep between" her and Homan that "the two officials barely speak to or meet with each other."
The precise reasons for the rift between Noem and Homan are not known, but sources close to the matter claim that it is "a personality clash at the very least" and has been "months in the making." Each side has reportedly accused the other of "contracting irregularities," which each in turn denies. Some immigration officials loyal to Homan are said to be bothered by Noem's perceived use of an expensive ICE ad campaign to promote herself as much as the agency's goals.
Noem's allies have similar accusations, suggesting that Homan's many Fox News appearances make him a "self-promoter without portfolio."
"Two DHS sources said Homan's media hits aren't coordinated with the department's press office and that he sometimes makes policy proclamations that catch officials off guard, irritating Noem's senior staff," Axios explained.
The feud between the officials reportedly hit "such a fever pitch last week" that it contributed to the rampant rumors and speculation that Trump was looking to fire Noem from his cabinet. Those rumors prominently cited concerns about an alleged affair between the secretary and Trump ally Corey Lewandowski, but according to Axios, Noem's supporters in the administration also believe that Homan has been leading a "whisper campaign" against her, with Homan's allies denying any such involvement in the matter.
For the time being, though, neither official looks to be going anywhere, as Trump is reportedly uninterested in making any such changes. In contrast with his first term, where firings and turnover of officials were common, Trump in his second term has so far avoided any high-profile ousters, despite mountingscandals.
"Kristi's doing a great job," Trump recently said about the situation, a source claimed to Axios. "Her and Tom don't get along, but they're doing great."
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