North Carolina pins recovery hopes on new DHS Secretary Mullin
North Carolinians have welcomed a change in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After months of frustration over delayed recovery funds, Senator Markwayne Mullin replaced Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary in early 2026. Many now hope the shift will speed up the release of much-needed disaster relief money.
The state has struggled to access federal aid following devastating floods and landslides in 2024. By December 2025, FEMA had only distributed around $1.2 billion of the $7 billion approved for recovery efforts. A key issue was a policy under Noem that required her personal approval for any FEMA expenditure over $100,000, causing significant delays.
Criticism of Noem's handling of funds grew louder over time. Senator Thom Tillis publicly condemned her approach during a Senate judiciary hearing. Both Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards and Democratic Governor Josh Stein expressed relief at her departure, with Stein also requesting an additional $13 billion in federal support. President Trump appointed Markwayne Mullin as the new DHS leader, replacing Noem. The move follows widespread frustration in North Carolina, where hundreds of millions in recovery funds remained stuck in bureaucratic hold-ups. Residents and officials alike are now looking to Mullin to accelerate the process.
With Mullin in charge, North Carolina's leaders and residents expect faster access to recovery funds. The state still awaits the bulk of the $7 billion already approved, along with Stein's additional $13 billion request. How quickly these funds arrive will shape the region's ability to rebuild after years of delays.
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