Trump Nominates South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a move announced on November 12, 2024. Noem, who has been the governor of South Dakota since 2019, expressed her eagerness for the role, stating that she had requested the position during conversations with Trump.

Noem’s selection is highlighted by her strong stance on border security, which aligns with Trump’s policies. She was the first governor to send National Guard soldiers to Texas to help with the border crisis, a move that was repeated eight times. Trump praised Noem’s commitment to border security and her role in his mission to “Make America Safe Again”.

However, Noem’s nomination has also sparked controversy, particularly among Native American communities in South Dakota. She has been banned from all nine tribal nations in the state due to her comments suggesting that tribal leaders were profiting from drug cartels and neglecting their children. These statements have led to concerns about her ability to lead the DHS and her potential impact on migrant policies.

Noem’s background includes her rise to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for resisting government regulations and her involvement in various family businesses before entering politics. She was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006, won the state’s at-large House seat in 2010, and became the state’s first female governor in 2018. She was reelected in 2022.

If Noem is confirmed by the Senate, she will be succeeded as governor by Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, who is described as a plain-spoken rancher and specialty welder. Rhoden is expected to focus more on state issues and has received bipartisan praise for his ability to build alliances and work across the aisle.

Noem’s nomination and potential leadership of the DHS have significant implications for national security, border policies, and her relationship with various communities, including Native American tribes and migrant groups.