Sound Off

Sound Off: March 10, 2026

By Sun Herald

March 10, 2026 3:00 AM

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has faced criticism over her department’s handling of immigration enforcement, leading to an impasse with Congress that has left DHS unfunded and partially shut down. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is replacing her. Heather Diehl Getty Images

Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

The Apprentice

So people are shocked that Kristi Noem might be replaced by Markwayne Mullin at Homeland Security? An MMA fighter running DHS shouldn’t surprise anyone. After all, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, Linda McMahon, was put in charge of the Dept. of Education. At this point it’s clear: the presidency is just Donald Trump’s longest-running episode of The Apprentice. “You’re fired.”

Not fired

Firing someone means getting them completely out of your organization. Moving that person to a nonexistent position with no job description is not “firing.“

DHS leader

Sen. Mullin, chosen to head DHS, is not a veteran, and you may wonder what skills he has acquired to make him the best choice to manage our country’s defense. He is a successful businessman, former wrestler/MMA fighter, with a degree in construction technology. All admirable accomplishments, but how do they translate into the management of our military and homeland defense? This kind of critical position should not be hired as “learn as you go” type employment, or only considered based on politics.

Get ready, Cuba

After finally doing what should have been done decades ago in Iran, it sure sounds like Cuba is next on the docket. And it’s about time.

Budget accountability

As I gather documents for my 2025 tax return, I’m reminded how every American must account for every dollar to the IRS. Yet the same government demanding that precision from us cannot account for billions — if not trillions—in federal spending. That is unacceptable. Families and small businesses live within budgets every day; Washington should too. Congress has the authority, and the responsibility, to fix this. Mississippians should contact their legislators now and demand real accountability, transparent spending, and a balanced budget. Enough excuses. It’s time our government lived by the same financial discipline it demands from its citizens.

Another day, another complaint

Now everybody online is Big Mad about President Trump wearing a hat. Good grief. You really will complain about anything.

Poor counties

Mississippi has 80-plus perpetually poor counties, the result of long-time politicians of one party. Vote Tuesday to change it.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.