White House Denies DHS Shake-Up As Chaffetz, Youngkin Surface As Possible Noem Successors

The White House insists Secretary Kristi Noem will remain in her post, but internal conversations about potential successors have intensified as questions mount about her management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Names discussed inside the administration and on Capitol Hill include Fox News contributor and former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, whose term ends in January, according to multiple people familiar with internal deliberations. The reporting draws on interviews with 17 people — administration officials, individuals close to the White House and lawmakers — many of whom requested anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters.

Why Officials Are Speculating

Sources say the chatter stems from growing frustration over how Noem has run DHS, including concerns about the pace at which billions in newly authorized funds have been spent, questions about contracting choices, and tensions with other senior figures at the agency. Critics inside and outside the administration have also taken issue with her frequent television appearances and high-profile enforcement actions, which some allies argue have been staged for media effect.

“I’m hearing from people that she’s about to leave,”

said one person close to the administration, adding they did not expect a firing but suggested any departure could be framed as a voluntary move to “another opportunity.” Officials emphasize that any personnel decision would ultimately rest with President Trump, who has publicly praised Noem. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told reporters he is “thrilled with the job Secretary Noem is doing,” calling her record “nothing short of extraordinary.”

Who’s Being Mentioned

Jason Chaffetz, who chaired the House Oversight Committee before resigning in 2017, is regularly engaged in DHS policy debates and is seen by some inside the administration as a plausible, easily confirmable candidate with oversight experience. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has met with Trump administration immigration officials and has received public praise from the president. Neither Chaffetz nor a Youngkin spokesperson responded to requests for comment.

Management, Spending, And Contracting Concerns

Critics point to several specific issues: staffing cuts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), problems with FEMA’s disaster relief disbursement, delays in deploying funds intended to expand detention capacity, and the pace of purchasing aircraft and other resources for removals.

There is also heightened scrutiny over contracting. A ProPublica report has flagged a firm with ties to Noem’s political operation as a beneficiary of a more than $200 million ad campaign aimed at deterring illegal immigration, prompting letters from Senate Democrats seeking an inquiry. DHS spokespeople have said the agency lacked visibility into some subcontractor choices.

Internal Rivalries And Advisory Influence

The department has seen tensions between Noem and Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan, with sources describing frequent disagreements over operational strategy. In addition, Corey Lewandowski — serving as chief adviser to the secretary — has drawn scrutiny over whether his role and time-limited special government employee status are being observed; Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have requested his financial disclosures. Lewandowski has also been linked to approvals of six-figure contracts, which has intensified oversight interest.

Political Stakes And Next Steps

Noem is scheduled to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee at its annual worldwide threats hearing this week, where Democrats plan to press on enforcement tactics and contracting decisions. Senate Democrats have also requested additional testimony. Republican backers on Capitol Hill, including Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), have publicly defended her, but multiple officials say internal discussions about her future are likely to continue in the months ahead.

Contributors: Liz Crampton and Cheyenne Haslett.