In a recent announcement on Tuesday, November 12, newly elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. This decision reflects Trump’s choice of a steadfast ally with limited experience in the national security arena. Notably, Trump commended Noem for her strong stance on border security in a statement, praising her deployment of the National Guard to assist Texas in addressing the Biden border crisis on eight separate occasions.
The President stated that she would work closely with the Border Czar, Tom Homan, to ensure border security, emphasizing Noem’s longstanding dedication to the issue. Trump further expressed his familiarity with Noem, citing past collaborations on various projects and highlighting her role as a crucial component of his mission to “Make America Safe Again.”
Previously considered a potential running mate for Trump, Noem’s overwhelming re-election victory in 2022 secured her a second term as Governor. The Department of Homeland Security, comprising 260,000 personnel, shoulders a wide range of responsibilities, including border security, combating terrorism threats, and cybersecurity.
Responding to her new appointment, Noem humbly expressed gratitude for the President’s trust, stating her eagerness to work alongside Border Affairs Commissioner Tom Homan in the pursuit of enhancing national security. She underscored the administration’s commitment to restoring border security, ensuring community safety, and revitalizing opportunities for families to pursue the American Dream.
Throughout his electoral campaign, Trump emphasized border security, sharply criticizing the increasing numbers of illegal immigrants during the Democratic administration of President Biden and Vice President Harris. With a decisive victory in the recent election over Harris, Trump pledged swift reforms in border policies from day one, including measures to deport illegal immigrants.
Drawing from her visits to the US-Mexico border in recent years, Noem has regularly firsthand described the area as a “war zone” as she is poised to embark on her new role as Secretary of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.