As Congress rushes to avoid a government shutdown, Kristi Noem’s leadership at the Department of Homeland Security has become a central issue. Democratic calls for her removal have put Republicans on the defensive and cast uncertainty on any bipartisan deal.

President Trump’s harsh verbal assault on Democratic lawmakers, calling them “traitors” who should be jailed, has caught Republican colleagues off guard. Many GOP members fear these incendiary remarks could jeopardize any bipartisan efforts as 2025 comes to a close.