South Dakota Tribe Lifts Banishment on Kristi Noem Ahead of DHS Confirmation Hearing

FLANDREAU, S.D. — The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe has lifted its banishment of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, offering its endorsement as she prepares for her confirmation hearing to serve as secretary of Homeland Security in President-elect Donald Trump‘s cabinet. The decision comes after Noem apologized for controversial remarks she made last year about Native American communities.

In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe President Tony Reider informed Noem on Wednesday that the tribe’s executive committee voted to “remove the banishment” imposed in May. The letter also expressed support for her nomination, ahead of her scheduled appearance before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Jan. 17, 2025.

“I commend you on your nomination by President Elect Donald Trump to the position of Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and hereby support your nomination,” Reider wrote. “I wish you the best of luck during the Senate confirmation hearing and believe that your dedication to the safety and security of the United States will benefit us all.”

Noem faced widespread criticism and banishment from all nine Native American tribes in South Dakota last year after suggesting that tribal leaders benefited from cartels and the immigration crisis. She also drew ire for comments about Native children’s futures, stating, “Their kids don’t have any hope. They don’t have parents who show up and help them. They have a tribal council or a president who focuses on a political agenda more than they care about actually helping somebody’s life look better.”

Reider acknowledged Noem’s efforts to address the controversy in his letter, noting that she had apologized and sought guidance on improving communication with tribal communities. “One of the stipulations contained in the banishment resolution was that you apologize for the comments that were made regarding tribal members and the education of tribal member children which were deemed offensive by some,” Reider wrote. “In several meetings before and after the resolution was passed, you not only explained your position, but apologized if the comments offended the Tribe.”

Noem’s nomination comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces significant challenges, including a surge in illegal border crossings and heightened concerns about national security following a terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Trump announced Noem as his pick shortly after his election victory, citing her efforts to secure the southern border during her tenure as governor.

Noem has garnered support from several law enforcement groups, including a union representing thousands of Border Patrol agents. The International Association of Fire Fighters, a historically Democratic union, also endorsed her, praising her understanding of emergency management during natural and man-made crises.

As Noem prepares for her confirmation hearing, the lifting of the banishment by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe marks a significant step in her efforts to mend relationships with Native American communities and secure broader support for her nomination.