Late-night host Stephen Colbert ridiculed Kristi Noem following Donald Trump’s dismissal of her as Homeland Security Secretary. In a scathing monologue on The Late Show, the 61-year-old comedian took aim at the polarizing Republican figure – frequently dubbed “ICE Barbie” by detractors – as he addressed the abrupt upheaval at the Department of Homeland Security.

“Let’s talk about Kristi Noem getting fired. She’s out. She’s gone. Her fault for standing so close to that gravel pit,” Colbert quipped to his studio audience. The remark alluded to an enduring scandal involving Noem, who previously disclosed in her autobiography that she fatally shot a puppy on her family’s property after determining it couldn’t be trained.

Colbert continued, “It’s too soon to know exactly why Kristi Noem is gone. Before we find out any more information about what happened, I just want to say with absolute certainty, she is a domestic terrorist who deserves to go to Gitmo. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I am being told that is not true.”

He added, “But you know what? I acted on the information we had at the time.” Guantánamo Bay – commonly referred to as “Gitmo” – is the infamous US military facility in Cuba where terrorism suspects have been detained for years without trial. The detention facility gained notoriety following 9/11 for accounts of harsh interrogation techniques, including waterboarding and sleep deprivation, and has sparked significant concerns about human rights abuses.

The quip targeted Noem’s own contentious remarks from earlier this year, when she characterized a man fatally shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement action as a “domestic terrorist.”

Noem’s exit from the Department of Homeland Security was disclosed by Trump via his Truth Social platform, where he expressed gratitude for her contributions whilst announcing Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as her successor.

Colbert shared, “Trump made the announcement as usual on social media, first saying he was nominating a new head of DHS, then adding the current secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, will be moving to be special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, our new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere. Sounds like someone’s about to become the FIFA Secretary of Homeland Security.”

The president’s official statement declared, “I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026.

“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border! ), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida.

“I thank Kristi for her service at “Homeland. “” He went on to say, “Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties – in 2016, 2020, and 2024!”

“A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda. As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities.

“Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”