Tricia McLaughlin, the head spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is set to leave her position next week. This news comes from two U.S. officials speaking with CBS News.
Since taking on the role, McLaughlin has been a strong voice for the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She has actively defended these positions in both media appearances and on social media. Her departure was actually planned for December but was pushed back after two citizens were tragically shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis.
Recent reports from Politico indicated that McLaughlin’s exit would be soon, and CBS News learned that Fox News analyst Katie Zacharia may step in to support the DHS communications team during this transition.
The DHS oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), both key players in the administration’s deportation efforts. McLaughlin frequently appeared on Fox News, passionately advocating for the administration’s immigration stance, while also responding to critics of its policies.
Her departure arrives at a time of growing public discontent regarding immigration enforcement. A recent CBS News poll showed that support for Trump’s deportation campaign has dipped to 46%, a significant drop from 59% at the beginning of his presidency. In addition, many Americans—about 61%—believe that immigration agents are too harsh in their enforcement methods.
This shift in public opinion suggests a climate of increasing scrutiny on government actions and a demand for more humane immigration policies. Whether McLaughlin’s replacement will affect the ongoing narrative remains to be seen.
For further insights, you can check out this CBS News poll.
