In a significant move for his incoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump is set to nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This decision has been confirmed by multiple sources close to the transition on Tuesday morning.
Trump praised Noem, stating, “Kristi has been very strong on Border Security,” highlighting their long-standing collaborative history on various projects. If confirmed, Noem will oversee several critical agencies within the DHS, 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 Noem’s notable lack of direct experience in homeland security matters, she has consistently supported Trump’s stringent immigration policies. She has been vocal in her criticism of President Joe Biden’s approach to border control, claiming that violent criminal activity has risen due to relaxed immigration enforcement. In previous statements, she referred to the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border as an “invasion” and suggested providing assistance to Texas to enhance border security.
Noem has faced scrutiny from certain communities for her rhetoric and policies. Notably, members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota barred her from their reservation in protest of her immigration stance.
As Governor of South Dakota since 2019 and a member of the House of Representatives prior to that, Noem’s political background has included support for Trump’s controversial positions, including questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election results.
Her nomination is part of a broader trend within Trump’s administration as he assembles his team. Alongside Noem’s expected confirmation, Trump has also announced several key appointments, emphasizing his commitment to hard-line immigration policies. This includes bringing back Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE, as a “border czar” to oversee deportation efforts, while also anticipating the appointments of Stephen Miller and Rep. Michael Waltz to significant national security roles.
In summary, the nomination of Kristi Noem as DHS secretary reflects Trump’s ongoing focus on immigration reform, particularly reinforcing a tough stance at the border. As the Trump administration prepares to begin, many are hopeful that Noem’s dedication to improving border security will help to address pressing national concerns regarding immigration and safety.
This appointment can potentially mark a shift toward more aggressive border management strategies, likely emphasizing security and law enforcement priorities that align with Trump’s campaign promises. With a strong commitment to safety and security, Noem’s leadership could serve to reassure many citizens who prioritize these issues.