Troy Edgar has resumed his role as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security after being sidelined late last year and following the withdrawal of his January nomination to be ambassador to El Salvador. Because Edgar never resigned his DHS post, the administration was able to reinstate him. Acting Secretary Lauren Bis and Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised his institutional knowledge and value to the department. Edgar is a Navy veteran, former DHS CFO and former mayor of Los Alamitos, California.
Troy Edgar Reinstated As DHS Deputy After Kristi Noem’s Ouster; El Salvador Nomination Withdrawn
Reuters, DHS
Troy Edgar has returned to the Department of Homeland Security as Deputy Secretary after previously being sidelined late last year amid a breakdown in his working relationship with former Secretary Kristi Noem, according to reporting by Politico.
Return To DHS
Edgar, who was sworn in last March, resumed his duties under Secretary Markwayne Mullin after President Donald Trump’s January nomination of Edgar to be ambassador to El Salvador was withdrawn. A second administration official told Politico that the withdrawal was expected to be transmitted to the Senate and that Edgar had never resigned from his DHS post, allowing him to return to the department.
Edgar served in Trump's first term as chief financial officer at DHS. / Mikaela McGee / Department of Homeland Security
Background And Reactions
Two officials — a Trump administration official and a former DHS official — told Politico that Edgar’s relationship with Noem deteriorated late last year and that he had effectively been "ousted" from day-to-day duties. The administration later moved to withdraw his ambassadorial nomination.
Acting DHS Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement to The Daily Beast: "DHS is fortunate to have Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar continue in his role. He brings valuable knowledge of the Department from the President’s first term when he served as DHS’ Chief Financial Officer. He will play an integral role in helping to make America safe again."
Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Politico Edgar is a "valuable player in the department’s efforts to make America safe again," saying the leadership team is united in pursuing the administration’s priorities, including immigration enforcement, border security, cybersecurity and maritime protection.
Edgar (right) had a falling out with Noem late last year, one Trump administration official said. / Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS
Edgar, who served as DHS Chief Financial Officer from May 2020 through the end of the previous administration, did not respond to requests for comment from Politico or The Daily Beast.
Professional Profile
According to his DHS biography, Edgar is a Navy veteran, a consultant, and a former city councilmember and mayor of Los Alamitos, California. He also hosts a podcast called Ameritocracy, which covers politics, business and technology.
Context: Noem’s Removal
Noem was removed from her DHS role last month and named special envoy to the newly created Shield of the Americas. Since then she has faced personal controversies and denied reports of a romantic relationship with a former aide. Noem also said she was "blindsided" by a story alleging her husband engaged in crossdressing during online interactions with adult performers; the report has drawn public attention and denials.
The couple has been married since 1992 and has three children.
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