Republicans and Democrats escalate calls for Kristi Noem to go as impeachment pressure rises
A new wave of criticism is building around Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with some Republicans joining Democrats in calls for resignation or removal. The dispute is tied to outrage over federal enforcement actions and deaths involving U.S. citizens, while Democratic leadership signals impeachment steps if the White House keeps Noem in place.
Calls for resignation spread beyond Democrats
Pressure on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem intensified on January 28, 2026, as criticism that began largely within Democratic ranks broadened, with some Republicans also urging that she resign or be removed. The latest round of pushback reflects a growing dispute over how the Department of Homeland Security is directing and overseeing immigration enforcement operations and the use of force.
In public comments reported by Axios, lawmakers from both parties described Noem as unfit for the job, arguing that her handling of recent events has undermined public trust and raised concerns about accountability at DHS. The White House, however, has indicated continued support, setting up a direct confrontation over leadership of the agency.
Impeachment threat becomes a live option
Democratic leaders have framed the moment as a turning point, warning that if President Trump does not remove Noem, they will proceed with impeachment efforts in the House. The dispute has been fueled by anger over killings of U.S. citizens during federal operations, with Democrats arguing that the pattern suggests systemic failures in oversight and a disregard for constitutional limits.
Even among Democrats, the debate is not only about one official. Some lawmakers argue that replacing Noem without broader operational reforms would not solve underlying problems, while others see forcing her out as the most immediate path to slowing what they describe as escalating abuses.
What Republicans are weighing
For Republicans, the calculus is complicated: some may want a change in leadership to protect the party from political fallout, while others worry that a resignation could open the door to a successor viewed as more ideologically hardline. As a result, GOP criticism has surfaced alongside concerns about who would take over DHS and whether policy direction would shift or harden.
The next steps depend on whether House Democrats can maintain cohesion and whether any Republicans break ranks in a way that changes the political math. In the short term, lawmakers are likely to keep leveraging hearings, public statements, and funding fights to press DHS for documents, accountability measures, and changes to operations.