Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin is stepping down from her role as assistant secretary, according to a Trump administration official. McLaughlin is expected to leave the agency next week.
Her departure follows heightened scrutiny of the department after fatal shootings in Minnesota raised questions about DHS messaging and credibility.
BREAKING: DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin to leave Trump administration, source with knowledge confirms pic.twitter.com/YL33AyQhfV
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 17, 2026
McLaughlin became one of the administration’s most visible defenders of DHS policies, frequently appearing on national television and using social media to counter critical reporting and support Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda.
Sources said McLaughlin had begun planning her exit in December but delayed her departure following the Minnesota shootings involving Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Her plans were first reported by Politico.
McLaughlin is the latest senior DHS official to exit during Trump’s second term. Last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan announced she would leave to pursue a congressional bid in Ohio.
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TIPP Staff
