Approval Slips for Homeland Security Chief as Federal Shooting Sparks Political Fallout
The latest public opinion survey shows growing unease about Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as her popularity rating declines following increased controversy over a tragic Minneapolis federal law enforcement shooting. Recent occurrences appear to be affecting public confidence in her leadership at a crucial time for the Trump administration.
This week’s poll found Secretary Noem’s approval rating at 33%, down from 37% a month earlier. While her disapproval rating has risen to 41%, registered voters’ mood has changed. The study of over 1,000 voters, with a 3.1 percent margin of error, shows how public opinion is shifting throughout the situation.
The weekend shooting of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis lowered support. The event sparked national scrutiny of federal law enforcement. It incident occurred weeks after another deadly shooting of a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in the same region, which sparked protests and indignation.
Secretary Noem’s initial public response to the Minneapolis shooting was criticized. She said Pretti fought officers and brandished a weapon, despite no public video evidence. The attack was domestic terrorism, she said. Democratic lawmakers and several conservatives questioned if her comments were premature given the ongoing inquiry.
The scandal has intensified political pressure, with 46% of respondents wanting Noem impeached and 42% wanting Trump to fire her. These numbers show how split opinion is and how significant the case’s political repercussions are.
President Trump publicly supports his Homeland Security secretary. The president rejected reporters’ suggestions that Noem resign, complimenting her work and citing a safe southern border. He has stated that his government is investigating the shooting and will make an official decision.
However, the White House has been careful about adopting certain senior officials’ comments. White House news Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a news briefing that the president had not characterized Pretti as Secretary Noem had described, adding that the investigation should guide any conclusions.
The administration is managing the situation behind the scenes. President Trump sent his border czar, Tom Homan, to Minneapolis to oversee immigration operations. Trump reportedly met privately with Noem and her top adviser in the Oval Office, indicating that the administration is reassessing its strategy.
Congress faces mounting political pressure. Democrats are pushing for Noem’s resignation, and the House has backed an impeachment resolution. Several Republican legislators have called for an independent probe into the incident and government authorities to speak before Congress, demonstrating bipartisan concern for transparency and accountability.
Cases are variable as investigations continue. Secretary Noem’s leadership is under fire from public outrage, congressional action, and internal administration review. Her approval ratings may continue to decline depending on the investigation’s findings and how explicitly federal authorities address force questions.
Sources
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The White House Press Office
