From Politico: One of the Trump administration’s most vocal defenders of its aggressive immigration crackdown is leaving as public opinion sours against the hardline approach, according to two DHS officials familiar with the move.
Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s spokesperson, is expected to inform colleagues Tuesday about her plans, according to the officials. She’s leaving DHS next week.
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.
The report explains that McLaughlin had planned to leave in December but delayed her departure amid the aftermath of the Renee Good and Alex Pretti shootings.
McLaughtlin is a former top communications aide to Vivek Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential campaign and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. She is also a former ABC News contributor.
READ MORE from Politico.
EXCLUSIVE: DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, one of the most vocal defenders of Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown, is stepping down. https://t.co/E5eezXQgP5
— POLITICO (@politico) February 17, 2026
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin is stepping down from her position next week after informing colleagues of her plans.
McLaughlin is one of the best!!
I’m very sad to see her go, but looking forward to her next move! pic.twitter.com/nsKxiPKdtW
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) February 17, 2026
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