Trump Allies Alarmed By Noem’s Rapid ‘Domestic Terrorism’ Narrative On Minneapolis ICE Shooting

Last Updated:January 11, 2026, 23:44 IST

Insiders worry that Noem’s comments could “undermine public confidence in the ongoing investigation”.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem attends a press conference in New York City. (AFP photo)

The rapid and aggressive response by the Trump administration to the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis has raised concern among some White House insiders, who fear it could undermine trust in the investigation, according to a Politico report.

Just hours after Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother of three, was shot by an ICE officer on Wednesday, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly described her actions as “domestic terrorism," claiming she tried to ram federal agents with her vehicle. The swift statement has alarmed administration officials, as well as current and former ICE personnel.

Insiders worry that Noem’s comments could “undermine public confidence in the ongoing investigation" and “widen the credibility gap between the public and the immigration agency."

One White House source told Politico: “Do I think it’s domestic terrorism? Yeah, I do. But it might not have been wise to say that at the outset, how [Noem] said it."

Renee Good was shot in the head while behind the wheel of her car, which agents said blocked their way. The Trump administration claimed her death was an act of self-defence, but local authorities, witnesses, and widely shared video footage have questioned that account. Good was a published poet who won the Academy of American Poets 2020 prize while at university.

The report noted that even supporters of President Trump worry that the administration’s approach—within hours, the White House deputy chief of staff also called the shooting “domestic terrorism"—risks eroding public confidence in federal investigations.

The Minneapolis incident comes amid heightened tensions in US cities, as thousands of federal agents are deployed for immigration enforcement.

Within 48 hours, another shooting by federal officers in Portland, Oregon, inflamed public outrage. Lawmakers and critics have accused the administration of rushing to close cases before investigations are complete, while officials insist the officers acted in self-defence.

“This is highly problematic and not a good look and not something our government should be remotely engaged in," said one administration official. Some inside ICE worry the rapid narrative pushed by the administration will deepen political divisions and damage the agency’s credibility.

News world Trump Allies Alarmed By Noem’s Rapid ‘Domestic Terrorism’ Narrative On Minneapolis ICE Shooting

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