President-elect Donald Trump is set to nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to multiple sources close to the decision. This influential position would put Noem in charge of several significant federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Coast Guard.
Though Noem lacks extensive experience in homeland security, she has consistently advocated for Trump’s strict immigration policies and has defended Republican governors taking strong measures against illegal immigration. In January, she described the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border as an “invasion” and expressed her state’s willingness to assist Texas by providing security resources.
Noem has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s approach to border security, asserting that his policies have allowed dangerous criminals to enter the country. In a recent interview, she stated, “He is ignoring federal law and allowing people into this country that are incredibly dangerous,” citing violent incidents linked to illegal immigrants.
Additionally, Noem has aligned herself closely with Trump’s views on law enforcement and security, emphasizing that under his leadership, public safety will improve. While she has been a potential candidate for vice president, her past admission about a controversial personal incident has lingered in public discourse.
Serving as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, and having prior experience in the U.S. House of Representatives and the state legislature, Noem is now among a series of appointments Trump is making for his upcoming administration. Other notable selections include Rep. Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the U.N. and Tom Homan, a staunch supporter of strict immigration enforcement, as “border czar.”
As Trump’s second term progresses, these appointments reflect a continued commitment to hardline immigration strategies and security policies, with key figures who have previously influenced controversial decisions retaining significant roles in the new administration.
This new chapter offers hope for a government prioritizing stringent border control and public safety, aiming to address the concerns many have about immigration and national security. The administration’s focus could lead to renewed discussions about effective policies that ensure the safety of citizens while addressing immigration reform more broadly.