President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This decision was confirmed by multiple sources close to the matter. In a statement, Trump praised Noem’s strong stance on border security, emphasizing their longstanding working relationship and his belief that she will significantly advance their mission to enhance national safety.
As the DHS secretary, Noem would lead various federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Coast Guard.
Despite her lack of extensive experience in homeland security, Noem has publicly supported Trump’s stringent immigration policies and has been vocal in her criticisms of President Joe Biden’s approach to immigration and border control. She has previously characterized the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border as an “invasion” and has proposed measures to assist Texas in managing immigration.
Throughout her governorship, Noem has faced challenges, including backlash from members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe for her hardline stances. She has also received scrutiny over remarks linking violent crimes to illegal immigration. Notably, she has avoided commenting on sensitive topics like Trump’s potential pardoning of January 6 rioters, indicating her commitment to supporting his leadership.
This nomination comes amid a series of appointments Trump is making for his anticipated second administration, including names like Elise Stefanik for the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and Tom Homan as “border czar,” highlighting a continued focus on immigration reform and national security.
Overall, while the nomination of Kristi Noem may raise questions due to her limited experience in homeland security, her commitment to strong immigration policies aligns with Trump’s agenda, potentially positioning her as a key figure in shaping the future of U.S. border security efforts.
This decision underscores a hopeful narrative for supporters who advocate for tougher immigration policies, suggesting that the incoming administration will prioritize these issues in addressing national security.