South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to Lead Department of Homeland Security

Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has selected South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to two sources familiar with the decision. This appointment is a key part of Trump’s plan to ramp up his efforts on immigration and domestic security.

Noem will step into the role of overseeing DHS, an agency responsible for border protection, immigration policy, disaster response, and the US Secret Service. The department faced significant turmoil during Trump’s first term, and Noem’s selection underscores his commitment to strengthening the agency with a trusted ally.

Kristi Noem’s Rise to Prominence

Currently in her second term as South Dakota’s governor, Noem gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when she controversially declined to impose a statewide mask mandate. Her decision made her a prominent figure in the Republican Party, aligning her with Trump’s stance on limited government intervention. In the 2022 election, she secured a resounding re-election victory, further solidifying her political stature.

A Former VP Contender

Noem was once considered a potential running mate for Trump during his 2020 re-election campaign. However, her relationship with the former president cooled following the publication of her memoir, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” The book, which detailed her personal life and political views, faced backlash when Noem described an incident in which she euthanized her 14-month-old hunting dog, sparking criticism and casting doubt on her standing in Trump’s inner circle at the time.

Despite this, her current selection to head DHS signals a close bond between Noem and Trump, particularly on issues of immigration, a cornerstone of his policy agenda.