Kristi Noem/ Homeland Security Secretary/ Trump administration/ border security/ immigration policy/ ICE/ CBP/ FEMA/ U.S. Secret Service/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Trump plans to nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Known for her strong stance on border security, Noem will oversee key agencies including ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and FEMA. Previously considered for Trump’s vice-presidential pick, Noem has been a vocal critic of current immigration policies.
Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary Quick Look
- Nomination Details: Trump expected to nominate Kristi Noem as head of Homeland Security.
- DHS Oversight: Noem would lead agencies like ICE, CBP, and FEMA.
- Immigration Stance: Noem has supported Trump’s immigration policies and criticized Biden’s.
- Background: Former U.S. House Representative and current South Dakota governor since 2019.
- Political Alignment: A staunch Trump ally with previous vice-presidential consideration.
Trump Expected to Appoint Gov. Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to name Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota as his Secretary of Homeland Security, according to sources familiar with the nomination process. Noem, who has aligned closely with Trump on immigration and security issues, would bring her hardline stance to the role, overseeing several crucial federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Noem, 52, has openly supported Trump’s approach to border security. In January, she described the immigration situation at the U.S.-Mexico border as an “invasion” and voiced her intent to assist Texas in curbing immigration, potentially by deploying security personnel and resources, such as razor wire, to the border. Her stance has generated controversy; her comments prompted the Oglala Sioux Tribe to ban her from their reservation in South Dakota.
In her criticism of current immigration policy, Noem has echoed Trump’s rhetoric, claiming that violent criminals are crossing the border due to what she described as lenient policies under President Joe Biden. In a June appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” she said, “He is ignoring federal law and allowing people into this country that are incredibly dangerous.” She referenced recent violent crimes allegedly linked to unauthorized immigrants, emphasizing her belief in the need for stricter border control measures.
Noem has also refrained from commenting on certain polarizing topics. When asked about Trump’s possible intentions to pardon individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots, she avoided taking a stance, stating instead that this decision would ultimately rest with Trump. She added that she anticipated Trump’s return to office would restore “law and order” across the nation, with a focus on improving safety in cities often managed by Democratic leadership, which she linked to higher crime rates and sanctuary policies.
Noem had previously been speculated as a potential running mate for Trump this election cycle but faced scrutiny over a story she shared in her memoir about euthanizing her dog to protect her children from a dangerous situation. Responding to the attention around this story, Noem clarified that it was a decision made “20 years ago” to ensure her family’s safety, a choice she said any parent in her position might have made.
Having served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, Noem brings substantial legislative experience to the role, including eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives and a prior term in South Dakota’s state legislature. Her record reflects a steadfast loyalty to Trump, and like several of Trump’s allies, Noem has shown hesitancy in recognizing the legitimacy of the 2020 election. In interviews earlier this year, she avoided clarifying whether she would have certified the election results, nor did she comment directly on then-Vice President Mike Pence’s certification of President Biden’s win.
If confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem will face the complex task of navigating immigration policy, border security, and federal agency management. Her nomination is part of a broader cabinet selection process as Trump prepares for his second presidential term. Other prominent picks include Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.N. Ambassador and Tom Homan as “border czar,” demonstrating Trump’s commitment to filling his administration with loyalists who support his vision for a robust national security and immigration policy.
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