Top DHS Voice Tricia McLaughlin Leaving Trump Admin [WATCH]

Tricia McLaughlin, the top spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, is preparing to leave the Trump administration, according to reports.

A DHS official first told Politico that McLaughlin, who serves as assistant secretary of Public Affairs at the department, will step down from her position next week.

APPRECIATION POST

Asst (DHS) Sec Tricia McLaughlin was scheduled to leave last Dec but stayed on to assist in Minnesota

She’s done one helluva job at (DHS) in getting these Illegals outta of our country

Leave a thumbs up folks she’s tagged, she’ll see this @TriciaOhio pic.twitter.com/TrG9BXPM6B

— @Chicago1Ray (@Chicago1Ray) February 18, 2026

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Axios reported that Lauren Bis, currently a deputy to McLaughlin, will assume the role following her departure.

IT’S OFFICIAL: DHS Assistant Sec. Tricia McLaughlin is departing the Trump administration — she regularly DESTROYED the fake news lies against mass deportations and President Trump

Thank you for your service to America @TriciaOhio! pic.twitter.com/osviuCRpW7

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 17, 2026

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According to the report, McLaughlin had initially planned to leave the agency in December.

However, she postponed her exit after the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The report cited a source familiar with the matter.

During her tenure, McLaughlin became one of the department’s most visible public voices as DHS implemented President Donald Trump’s efforts to deport violent illegal immigrants.

Many of those targeted for removal entered the United States during the Biden administration.

President Donald Trump publicly praised McLaughlin in December after she appeared on “The Sean Hannity Show.”

“Tricia really knows her ‘STUFF!” President Trump said.

Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 10:37 PM EST 12/03/25

Great job by wonderful TRICIA MCLAUGHLIN, DHS Assistant Secretary, on the Sean Hannity Show. Many Illegals from around our Nation charged with serious crimes this week. Tricia really knows her “STUFF!”

— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 4, 2025

Before joining DHS, McLaughlin served in the first Trump administration under Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. She also worked at the State Department, focusing on arms control issues.

Her departure marks the latest change among senior DHS officials.

In January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan announced she would leave her post to run for a congressional seat in Ohio.

DHS has been at the center of the administration’s immigration enforcement agenda, with public messaging playing a key role as federal authorities carry out deportations and border-related operations.

As assistant secretary of Public Affairs, McLaughlin regularly appeared in media interviews and public briefings defending department policy and outlining enforcement priorities.

The timeline of her exit comes amid continued focus on immigration enforcement and internal staffing shifts across agencies involved in border security and removals.

Lauren Bis is expected to take over the public affairs role once McLaughlin officially departs next week, according to Axios. DHS has not announced additional changes tied to the transition.

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