Tricia McLaughlin quitting DHS, but vows ‘I’m not exiting the fight’
Tricia McLaughlin, the fiery assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is reportedly quitting her job, officially leaving next week.
McLaughlin, who has served at DHS under Secretary Kristi Noem, is said have started planning her departure in December, but delayed it after two fatal shootings of anti-ICE agitators Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month.
Politico reports: “McLaughlin publicly supported the Trump administration’s controversial tactics at some of the most tense moments amid its immigration enforcement operations in Chicago and Minneapolis, frequently sparring with social media detractors.
“McLaughlin’s departure will leave a hole at the department at a crucial time amid a funding lapse for the agency as Republicans and Democrats negotiate potential reforms to ICE and Customs and Border Protection. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment about who will take over communications.”
McLaughlin herself said in a text message to the New York Post that while she was leaving DHS, “I’m not exiting the fight.”
The Post reported: “Despite ongoing controversy surrounding DHS, McLaughlin’s departure was described as amicable, with one source saying she was leaving for the ‘same reason anyone leaves: It’s a slog.’
“She did a great job,” this person added, insisting it “wasn’t like she was pushed out.”
Journalist Benny Johnson said, “McLaughlin has been one of the Trump Administration’s strongest fighters at DHS. “She has been on the forefront of efforts to deport criminal illegal aliens, secure the border and protect the country from left wing extremists.”
Tricia McLaughlin has been one of the Trump Administration’s strongest fighters at DHS.
She has been on the forefront of efforts to deport criminal illegal aliens, secure the border and protect the country from left wing extremists.
Thank you @TriciaOhio pic.twitter.com/KK8G7e5hhN
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 17, 2026
On Tuesday, McLaughlin did not comment on X about her departure, but shared a video of herself discussing the continuing partial government shutdown on “America Reports,” noting:
“The ongoing shutdown is holding the safety and national security of the American people hostage. Immigration enforcement is continuing unfettered, with @CBP and @ICEgov funded.
“Congressional Democrats are using @TSA, @FEMA, @SecretService, @USCG, @CISAgov and other key national security agencies as pawns to score cheap political points.”
The ongoing shutdown is holding the safety and national security of the American people hostage.
Immigration enforcement is continuing unfettered, with @CBP and @ICEgov funded.
Congressional Democrats are using @TSA, @FEMA, @SecretService, @USCG, @CISAgov and other key… pic.twitter.com/nzwOftdloq
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) February 17, 2026
She also featured a pinned tweet at the top of her X page, challenging an ABC News reporter.
I can do this all day, Jay. pic.twitter.com/PAYlWXiA9q
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) April 15, 2025
McLaughlin told the Cincinnati Enquirer last month that if she returned to her Ohio home, she “wouldn’t rule anything out” when it came to running for office.
“I don’t know if that’s going to be a year from now or that’ll be five years from now,” she said. “I love Cincinnati. It’s my home and I don’t think there’s any place like it.”
Since taking her job at DHS, McLaughlin has undergone a serious transformation with a full “MAGA makeover.” The Daily Mail published before and after photos of Kristi Noem’s top assistant and her big change from a wild child to a serious spokeswoman.
Kristi Noem advisor Tricia McLaughlin undergoes wild transformation with full ‘MAGA makeover’ https://t.co/Tqw7NpSkgX pic.twitter.com/h01KDnk0bv
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) December 10, 2025
The Mail notes: “Although the look is synonymous with high-profile female Republicans, ordinary women and even some men are said to be requesting the makeover, and the prospective patients allegedly come from both sides of the political aisle.”
A couple of reaction comments include: “Republican women are just so much hotter … must be the lack of hatred and bitterness.”
“I’m shocked, shocked to discover women wear makeup on television. You people are pathetic.”
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