Trump unveils 'Shield of Americas' security initiative for West, names Kristi Noem as special envoy

US President Donald Trump has appointed Kristi Noem to a new role where she will act as the special envoy, after firing her from the top Department of Homeland Security role.

Trump announced that Noem will be the special envoy of his "Shield of the Americas" initiative. Speaking at an event in Nashville, Noem said that she would attend the first "Shield" summit, where Trump is expected to meet with leaders from 11 Latin American countries.

What is the 'Shield of the Americas'

“Shield of the Americas” is a new security initiative launched by the Trump administration focused on the Western Hemisphere, aimed at combating drug trafficking, transnational criminal networks and illegal migration.

Trump’s “Shield” summit this weekend at his golf club in Doral, Florida, is expected to bring together leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, according to the White House.

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Why was Noem fired?

Noem’s tenure as the DHS chief was marred by controversies. Media reports suggest that Trump was not pleased with Noem’s handling of the recent large-scale operation against undocumented migrants in Minnesota.

He was also upset with Noem over her recent Senate hearing, where she said the president had personally approved a $220 million DHS advertising campaign featuring her prominently.

“(Noem) has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!),” Trump said.

Who is the new DHS head?

Trump has appointed Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next chief of the Department of Homeland Security.

Mullin, an ardent Trump supporter, former mixed martial arts fighter and a first-time senator, will need the Senate’s approval to assume the role. He will be the second DHS secretary in Trump’s second term.

Mullin will lead an agency that has come under growing criticism in recent months, particularly after federal immigration officers fatally shot two US citizens in Minnesota.