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The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security of the United States (DHS), Kristi Noem, thanked President Donald Trump after being appointed as special envoy for the "Shield of the Americas" initiative, following the announcement of her departure from the position she held in the administration.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, Noem expressed her gratitude to the leader for entrusting her with the new responsibility within the hemispheric security strategy promoted by Washington.
“Thank you, President Trump, for appointing me special envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” wrote Noem, who also emphasized that she will work alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense to combat the drug cartels that, she claimed, have flooded the United States with narcotics.
The official emphasized that the Western Hemisphere is key to U.S. security and assured that in her new role, she will seek to strengthen regional alliances by leveraging the experience gained during her 13 months leading the DHS.
Change in DHS leadership
President Donald Trump announced this Thursday that Noem will leave her position as Secretary of Homeland Security, which will be taken over by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, who will assume office on March 31, 2026.
The announcement was made by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, where he praised Noem's work and specifically highlighted her management of border control.
According to the President, during his administration the DHS achieved the "most secure border in the history of the United States," as well as advancements in areas such as reducing irregular migration, locating missing minors, and modernizing federal agencies.
New regional initiative
Noem's new role will be linked to the "Shield of the Americas" project, a security initiative for the continent that the Trump administration will officially present this Saturday in Doral, Florida, during a summit with several Latin American leaders.
The U.S. government has indicated that this strategy aims to strengthen regional cooperation to combat drug trafficking, criminal networks, and illegal migration in the hemisphere.
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