Introduction

In early July 2026 the office of Secretary of Homeland Security Mark Wayne Mullin asked U.S. Customs and Border Protection to check whether any promotional videos featuring former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem were still being shown at airports or other ports of entry, and to remove them promptly. The request reflects a broader effort to update outward‑facing communications after the change in leadership.

Background on Noem’s Media Presence

Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, served as DHS secretary from March 2025 until her dismissal in March 2026. While in office she frequently appeared in PSA‑style recordings that greeted travelers at Customs and Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. One notable October 2025 video blamed congressional Democrats for the government shutdown, a message later challenged as a possible Hatch Act violation. Noem also produced a high‑budget advertising campaign that showcased her riding a horse near Mount Rushmore and a 2025 tour of the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, where she highlighted immigration consequences.

The Removal Process

According to an email obtained by HuffPost, Mullin’s team wrote, “If so, please kindly remove them as soon as possible and provide confirmation of removal.” The request was sent to Customs and Border Protection, the agency responsible for “public service announcements” at U.S. ports of entry. While DHS did not immediately confirm whether any Noem videos remained in circulation, the office indicated a commitment to “revamp outward‑facing policies” and adopt a lower‑profile approach to immigration enforcement.

Why the Change Matters

The removal of politically charged content from federal facilities supports a neutral, nonpartisan presentation of government services. It also aligns with ongoing scrutiny of DHS’s internal policies, including the reduction of the “Protect the Homeland” vehicle branding and the scaling back of large immigration detention centers. By eliminating outdated or partisan videos, the department can focus on clear public safety messaging without appearing to endorse a particular political figure.

Conclusion

Secretary Mullin’s prompt request to eliminate Kristi Noem’s airport videos demonstrates an effort to depoliticize DHS communications and restore public confidence in the agency’s neutrality. As the department continues to adjust its messaging strategy, travelers can expect more standardized information that reflects current policies rather than the legacy of a former secretary.