The Senate has confirmed Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, as Secretary of Homeland Security, with a vote tally of 59-34. This appointment positions Noem at the forefront of President Trump’s immigration strategy for his second term, which includes extensive measures aimed at curbing immigration levels.
Noem’s confirmation follows the earlier appointments of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who was confirmed with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance. Noem is now the fourth official to join Trump’s cabinet.
During her confirmation hearing, Noem emphasized her alignment with Trump’s immigration agenda, stating her desire to fulfill the president’s promises to the American people. She expressed plans to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which mandates that certain asylum seekers wait in Mexico until their court hearings in the United States, and to eliminate the CPB One App, utilized by asylum seekers under the previous administration.
Noem also indicated support for measures like terminating birthright citizenship, a controversial proposal that many legal experts assert would require a constitutional amendment rather than an executive order. Furthermore, she is expected to work closely with Tom Homan, appointed as the “border czar,” and Stephen Miller, who has been instrumental in shaping Trump’s immigration policies.
In her new role, Noem will manage a workforce of over 260,000 federal employees, overseeing critical responsibilities that include immigration enforcement, disaster response, and protecting the country from terrorist threats. Following the confirmation, Noem officially stepped down from her position as governor of South Dakota, passing the torch to Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden.
This appointment signifies a commitment to an aggressive immigration policy as envisioned by Trump, focusing on securing the southern border and adhering to the president’s promises. It reflects a new chapter in U.S. immigration policy, highlighting the ongoing debate and complexities surrounding it.