(NewsUSD) – Trump appoints Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota, as Secretary of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. — According to those familiar with the decision, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Trump praised Noem’s dedication to border security in a statement on Tuesday, saying, “Kristi has been very strong on Border Security.” To protect the border and ensure that our American homeland is safe from our enemies, she will collaborate closely with “Border Czar” Tom Homan.
With notable immigration hardliners Stephen Miller and Tom Homan also slated for significant positions, Noem’s selection is consistent with Trump’s resolve to tighten immigration laws. Trump prioritized immigration and internal security in his 2024 campaign agenda, and his selection shows that he prefers partners who share these views.
Noem will lead a large agency with over 240,000 workers and a $60 billion budget, including the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Only two of the five DHS chiefs under Trump’s first administration were Senate-confirmed, indicating the agency’s high turnover.
Throughout her political career, Noem has taken strong positions on immigration, despite not representing a border state. She has previously advocated for punitive measures against “sanctuary cities” that restrict collaboration with federal immigration police, and in 2010 she backed a Republican-led attempt to preserve an Arizona immigration legislation while serving as a lawmaker.
Noem’s conflicts with the state’s Indigenous leaders during her time as governor also resulted in strained ties and certain tribes forbidding her from accessing specific areas. In 2020, she highlighted her public support for Trump by giving him with a facsimile of Mount Rushmore that featured his picture, which caused controversy.
During her time as governor, Noem has been a vocal backer of Trump. She was formerly seen as a prominent contender for Trump’s vice presidential running partner because of her well-known opposition to COVID-19 lockdown measures and her strong support for Second Amendment rights. Despite not being chosen on the ticket, she remained a Trump supporter, attending campaign rallies and serving as moderator for a significant town hall in October when Trump spoke to fans.
Now that her selection is official, Noem will oversee DHS throughout Trump’s second term, collaborating closely with officials such as Homan and Miller to implement the administration’s increased emphasis on immigration reform and border security.
