Kristi Noem's resignation as Secretary of Homeland Security was announced by President Donald Trump on social media, marking a significant political shift. This departure comes amidst serious allegations that she misled Congress regarding a $220 million advertising campaign. During a Senate committee meeting, she claimed that the contract for this campaign had been put out to bid; however, she later admitted in a House hearing that this was not the case, revealing a major inconsistency that contributed to her downfall. This contradiction is viewed by many as a pivotal factor leading to her dismissal.

Further compounding her political troubles, Noem's reported lies to Congress have been deemed more impactful than other scandalous events surrounding her tenure, such as the deaths of two American citizens involving federal immigration agents and claims of an affair with an advisor. According to a Bloomberg source, these issues paled in comparison to the misrepresentation to Congress, which ultimately cost her the position. The phrase 'dead as a herring' suggests that her political career is essentially over, and her credibility severely damaged.

In contrast to the controversy surrounding her departure, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) media department praised Noem in a recent email as the 'most successful Secretary of Homeland Security in history.' They credit her and President Trump for making America safer by securing the borders. This juxtaposition of her touted success against the backdrop of her resignation illustrates the complexities and challenges within Trump's administration as it grapples with scandal and public perception.