President Donald Trump is reportedly calling Senate Republicans to solicit their views on firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following her congressional testimony. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also speculated about replacing her. Trump's frustration centers on Noem's handling of a $220 million government-funded ad campaign that Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) argued primarily boosted her personal name recognition. The ad contract was awarded to a firm run by the husband of former DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin and was filmed at Mount Rushmore. When confronted, Noem claimed Trump approved the campaign. Republicans were divided on whether this was the right time for removal, concerned about finding 51 Senate votes for a replacement amid universal Democratic opposition and vulnerable GOP senators seeking independence. Some fear replacement would embolden Democrats.
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