President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, according to multiple sources familiar with the decision. Noem, 52, would take on the responsibility of overseeing a vast array of key 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 Coast Guard.
Noem has been a staunch supporter of Trump's hardline immigration policies, frequently criticizing the Biden administration's handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. "He is ignoring federal law and allowing people into this country that are incredibly dangerous," she said during a June appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press." She pointed to several incidents involving undocumented immigrants to underscore her stance. "Just this week I think we had four different people that were attacked or raped or murdered by illegal immigrants that have come in over our open border. And that cannot continue to happen."
Earlier this year, Noem made headlines when she suggested deploying security personnel and razor wire from South Dakota to Texas in an effort to bolster border enforcement. Her characterization of the border situation as an "invasion" and her proposed actions led to backlash, including a ban from entering the Oglala Sioux Tribe's reservation.
Noem's political career has been marked by both support and controversy. She rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for refusing to impose a statewide mask mandate, a decision that endeared her to many conservatives. However, she has faced scrutiny over a past revelation detailed in her memoir, in which she described shooting an "untrainable" dog on her family farm. "I would say that that was a story from 20 years ago about me protecting my children from a vicious animal," Noem explained on "Meet the Press." While she defended her actions, the incident reportedly dimmed her chances of becoming Trump's running mate.
Despite these challenges, Noem has maintained a steady influence within Republican ranks. Before serving as South Dakota's governor, she represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Her loyalty to Trump has remained steadfast. Noem was notably hesitant to comment on certifying the 2020 election results, aligning herself with Trump's efforts to challenge the outcome. In separate interviews this year, she declined to say whether then-Vice President Mike Pence acted appropriately in certifying President Biden's victory.
As Homeland Security secretary, Noem would lead an agency central to border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response. Trump's recent appointment of Tom Homan as "border czar" underscores the administration's focus on immigration issues. Homan has promised to prioritize the deportation of undocumented immigrants deemed threats to public safety and national security.
Noem's alignment with Trump's immigration policies has been evident throughout her tenure. In January, she described the situation at the southern border as an "invasion" and offered to send state resources to help. "If you look at one of the most violent areas of our country, it is often Democrat-run cities, sanctuary cities with an open border," she said in June, emphasizing her stance on public safety and border control.
Her nomination is likely to draw both support and scrutiny. While her supporters view her as a determined leader willing to take on complex issues, her critics are expected to focus on her controversial decisions and her unwavering support for Trump's more contentious policies. Noem's leadership style, described by some as "extremely driven and determined," has both earned her allies and sparked criticism.
This article includes reporting from CNN.
