Kirsti Noem's secret cabinet meetings have enraged Donald Trump, who is reportedly infuriated by the Department of Homeland Security.
The president had not been aware of the meetings, though it is now believed he and his advisors are aware Noem is hosting clandestine meetings which the DHS head has referred to as cabinet meetings, The Daily Beast reported. Aides to the president are reportedly troubled by Noem referring to her meetings as "cabinet" meetings, and Trump is personally furious at an advertisement that the DHS budgeted for earlier this month.
Noem was at the center of an advertisement campaign telling immigrants to "leave now", but the $200million price tag on said adverts has left Trump "annoyed".
A DHS spokesperson defended Noem, saying it was appropriate to call the gatherings “DHS component cabinet meetings” and that the “tremendously successful" advertisements had been coordinated with White House officials.
Noem hit headlines earlier today as Trump administration officials are believed to be unhappy with the Department of Homeland Security head, who has made the team "uncomfortable" when trying to cozy up to the president.
Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, and Tarini Parti wrote, "The pair worked to hastily solidify their relationship with the president, successfully requesting an Oval Office meeting with Trump two days after the Pretti shooting. Noem’s team quickly scheduled a series of press conferences on other matters, including an event highlighting airport security in Miami and an announcement about the border wall in Arizona.
"Noem and Lewandowski’s close relationship had already made Trump and his top advisers uncomfortable. Lewandowski had initially wanted to formally serve as Noem’s chief of staff, but Trump rejected the idea due to reports of a romantic relationship between the two—which he has continued to bring up, officials say.
"Though White House officials have been frustrated with Noem and Lewandowski’s leadership, they know his closeness with the president makes it hard for them to make changes at DHS, officials said."