A simmering feud between Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump\u2019s border czar Tom Homan has grown so strained that the two leaders reportedly barely speak or meet with each other, according to a new Axios report. Despite the tension, neither official is in danger of losing their job, and President Trump continues to stand by both as key figures in his aggressive border-security agenda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The clash\u2014with roots that appear more personal than ideological\u2014has raised eyebrows inside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A White House adviser told Axios that Trump views the competition between Noem and Homan as a healthy dynamic that can improve overall performance. \u201cKristi\u2019s doing a great job,\u201d Trump reportedly said. \u201cHer and Tom don\u2019t get along, but they\u2019re doing great.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sources say the feud stems largely from a personality clash and differing leadership styles. While both leaders support tough enforcement of immigration laws, Noem\u2019s backers have criticized Homan for oversaturating conservative media with frequent appearances, especially on Fox News, which they say sometimes carries him past official channels or consultation with DHS communications staff. Homan has appeared on conservative outlets far more than Noem this year, which insiders say has aggravated the divide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career immigration officials have reportedly bristled at Noem\u2019s leadership style, including her public-facing promotion of policies like the CBP Home self-deportation app and the outsized influence of her senior adviser, Corey Lewandowski, who can only officially serve limited days under federal rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, Noem\u2019s allies say Homan\u2019s media presence sometimes strays into self-promotion, making news on policy pronouncements without coordination. But neither side is backing down, and several White House sources say Trump is satisfied with the job both are doing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite internal friction, the Trump administration\u2019s border enforcement efforts remain robust. Deportations have reached record levels under this team, and DHS continues to pursue hard-line priorities. That focus on illegal immigration enforcement aligns with what Trump was elected to deliver and remains popular among the president\u2019s base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In public remarks\u2014such as Noem\u2019s recent testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee\u2014Noem has defended the administration\u2019s approach as strengthening national security and deterring illegal entries, insisting DHS is enforcing the law without selective leniency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n