According to several attendees, Noem took the stage with a calm demeanor, though she appeared somewhat less energetic than usual.
One attendee noted that Noem rarely mentioned President Trump by name during her speech, instead referring generally to “the administration.”
News of the personnel change had circulated throughout the conference before Noem spoke. Earlier that day, President Trump announced on social media that Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma would replace Noem as the head of the Department of Homeland Security.
Attendee Reactions
Some in the hall said they even wondered if Noem would show up after the news broke.
A New York State police officer attending the conference said Noem's position change did not surprise many.
According to this individual, the new position assigned to Noem by President Trump—envoy for the “Shield of the Americas” security initiative—could be seen as a reassignment rather than bad news, especially considering the border security achievements of the Trump administration recently.
Noem's New Role
According to the announcement from President Trump, Noem will leave her position as Secretary of Homeland Security at the end of March. She will then serve as the envoy for the Shield of the Americas program, a new security initiative related to the Western Hemisphere.
In her speech at the conference, Noem also mentioned plans to meet with President Trump on Saturday to further discuss the transition of duties.
Attendees said Noem's speech proceeded as planned, even though the entire hall was already aware of the personnel change announcement.
