In an explosive moment that has already sent shockwaves through Washington, former President Donald Trump publicly urged his newly appointed Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, to ālook into arrestingā her predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, during a live TV interview last night.
Appearing together on a prime-time conservative news broadcast, Trump turned to Noem ā who was recently tapped as his pick for DHS Secretary if he retakes the White House ā and delivered the stunning remark with millions watching.
āKristi, I think you should really take a look at arresting Mayorkas,ā Trump said, wagging his finger. āHeās done more to destroy this countryās borders than anyone in history. He should be held accountable ā maybe even in handcuffs.ā
Noem, who looked momentarily caught off guard, nodded and responded that āeverything is on the tableā when it comes to restoring border security and holding previous officials responsible for what Trump called āthe invasion at our southern border.ā
Mayorkas, who served as DHS Secretary under President Biden, has long been a lightning rod for Republican anger over record migrant crossings and what conservatives describe as an āopen borderā policy. Trump has repeatedly called for Mayorkas to be impeached or prosecuted, but this is the first time heās directly floated the idea of an arrest ā and done so live on national television.
Legal experts were quick to point out that while impeachment and removal from office are legislative actions, ordering the arrest of a former Cabinet official would likely trigger a fierce constitutional battle over executive power and due process.
Meanwhile, Democrats condemned the comment immediately. A senior aide for Mayorkas called Trumpās words āunhingedā and accused him of āturning DHS into a political weapon to punish opponents.ā
Trumpās base, however, erupted in cheers online, with #ArrestMayorkas trending within minutes. Some hardline conservatives praised Noem for not pushing back and signaled that this kind of tough talk is exactly what they want to hear as the 2025 election cycle heats up.
So far, Mayorkas has not responded publicly, but close allies say he is consulting with legal advisors and weighing whether to issue a statement or ignore what one confidant described as āTrumpās empty threats.ā