Democrats Declare War On Trump Official
Democratic Sen. Peter Welch is calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, escalating political pressure on the Trump administration amid ongoing disputes over immigration enforcement.
Welch said he would support impeachment proceedings against Noem if she does not resign, making the comments during a Monday appearance on Ana Cabrera Reports.
The Vermont Democrat placed blame on Noem following recent officer-involved shootings in Minneapolis connected to protests over federal immigration operations. The incidents resulted in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37.
Welch accused Noem of poor leadership and said she has lost public trust. He also criticized what he described as excessive spending on promotional projects, including a high-profile video filmed at Mount Rushmore, arguing that her focus should instead be on department oversight.
According to Welch, the Department of Homeland Security’s handling of immigration enforcement has crossed from law enforcement into intimidation, a claim the administration strongly disputes.
When asked whether impeachment would be appropriate if Noem declined to step down, Welch responded that he would support such action, though he said resignation would be preferable.
The comments reflect growing Democratic opposition to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration strategy, particularly the use of federal officers in major U.S. cities. Critics argue the operations inflame tensions, while supporters say they are necessary to restore order and enforce existing law.
The push for impeachment has also gained traction online. The Democratic Party’s official account on X amplified the effort over the weekend with a post calling for Noem’s removal.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security rejected the accusations. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the agency is carrying out the laws passed by Congress.
“If lawmakers disagree with those laws, changing them is their responsibility,” McLaughlin said, adding that DHS will continue enforcing federal immigration statutes as written.
The clash highlights a deepening divide in Washington, as Democrats increasingly target administration officials responsible for enforcing immigration law, while the Trump administration argues it is simply executing the will of Congress.
