When times get tough, you start to see what people are made of, and Trump and conservatives are finding out who is true to cause.

A lot of Republicans are getting squeamish about defending Trump’s immigration plan and Noem, but that is not the case for the president.

Trump was asked flat-out if Noem was going to be relieved of duty, and it took him about two seconds to give a one-word answer… “No.”

Defending Noem

I have stated in previous reports that Noem was far from my first choice as Homeland Security secretary, but she has done a decent job to this point.

She has been far from perfect, but I would take Noem over her predecessor any day of the week.

The one glowing area of weakness for Noem is public relations, and she had a similar problem as governor (we all remember the dog story).

With Noem coming out right away to defend the agent as well as characterizing Alex Pretti as a domestic terrorist, many Republicans, including those who supported her nomination, are having a problem defending her.

She has to go

Republicans who are not aligned with Trump are taking the opportunity to call for the removal of Noem.

For instance, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who decided not to run for reelection over his fallout with Trump, is demanding her removal, as is Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who has been at odds with Trump since his first term.

Murkowski, for example, stated, "I think the President needs to look at who he has in place as the Secretary of Homeland Security. I would not support her again, and I think it probably is time for her to step down.”

Tillis has called her “incompetent,” among other things, as well as demanding that Noem step down.

Taking charge

Trump has given a silent order to Republicans to get behind Noem simply by declaring that he has no intention of letting her go.

When Trump was asked about relieving Noem of her duties, Trump responded very quickly, “No,” then defended the job she is doing regarding shutting down the border.

With that declaration, Trump made it clear that if you are attacking Noem, you are attacking him, so my guess is anyone supporting Trump will just stay quiet because we all know what happens when you cross Trump… he will primary you.

I think Trump has to find some common ground with members of Congress, as bullying them will not work here. He needs support, big league, and if he does lose it, the remainder of this year will be miserable, followed by a Democrat takeover of Congress.