President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to sources familiar with the decision. This selection signifies Trump’s commitment to fulfilling his immigration policies, with notable hardliners Stephen Miller and Tom Homan also expected to take on senior roles within the agency.
Noem’s appointment comes after a tumultuous period during Trump’s previous presidency when DHS experienced significant leadership instability, characterized by five different heads in a relatively short time. The agency, which manages a substantial budget of $60 billion and employs hundreds of thousands of individuals, is crucial to Trump’s domestic agenda, particularly regarding immigration enforcement.
Though South Dakota is not a border state, Noem has consistently advocated for strict immigration policies and has demonstrated her commitment to these principles throughout her political career. For instance, as a congressional candidate in 2010, she supported opposition to an Obama-era lawsuit regarding Arizona’s controversial immigration law. Additionally, during Trump’s first term, she expressed her intentions to penalize “sanctuary cities” that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
As a governor, Noem faced controversy for her comments toward indigenous tribes, claiming tribal leaders prioritized benefiting from drug cartels over their communities. This stance has led to her being barred from certain tribal lands, highlighting the complex dynamics between state and tribal sovereignty—an area DHS is responsible for overseeing.
A staunch Trump ally, Noem has aligned herself with his administration’s style and policies since taking office. She has publicly opposed COVID-19 restrictions and showed her loyalty through various public gestures, including gifting Trump a replica of Mount Rushmore featuring his likeness. Although once thought to be a potential running mate for Trump’s 2024 campaign, she currently stands in a different light due to an embarrassing revelation from her book about her past decisions with pets.
Noem continues to cement her role as a key player in Trump’s administration, engaging in strategic campaign discussions even as the 2024 race heats up.
With her dedication to conservative values and strong stance on immigration, Noem’s leadership at DHS may usher in a renewed focus on national security and immigration enforcement, themes that resonate with Trump’s base. This appointment underscores the administration’s emphasis on loyalty and shared objectives, possibly setting the stage for significant policy shifts in the months to come.
This story illustrates not only the unfolding political landscape but also the importance of strong leadership in pivotal government roles, ensuring that key priorities remain in focus as the new administration begins its term.