South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who gained national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate confirmed her appointment with a 59-34 vote, positioning her as the fourth addition to President Trump's cabinet this term. This confirmation comes closely following Pete Hegseth's approval as Defense Secretary.
In her inaugural statement as Secretary, Noem emphasized her commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Americans. She declared, We will empower our law enforcement to enforce our laws and expel criminal aliens and gang members from our country. She further promised to equip intelligence services and law enforcement with the necessary resources to detect and thwart terrorism while providing swift aid during crises.
Noem expressed gratitude to President Trump for this opportunity and reiterated her dedication to fulfilling the President’s agenda to fortify the nation's southern border and overhaul the immigration system. During her confirmation hearing, she identified border security as a significant challenge and vowed to address these issues comprehensively.
Highlighting her prior experience, Noem mentioned her role as the first governor to deploy National Guard troops to the southern border at Texas's request during a previous border crisis. If confirmed, I will ensure our exceptional Border Patrol agents receive all tools and support needed for their mission, she asserted. According to her, a considerable majority of Americans, including many Hispanic citizens, endorse the immigration policies stood out during Trump's presidency.
Kristi Noem is poised to manage a vast department comprising 22 agencies and more than 260,000 employees. These agencies play crucial roles, ranging from border security and federal disaster management to the operations of the Secret Service.
Noem has already overseen the cessation of the CBP One app, a tool that facilitated asylum appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border. During her Senate hearings, she assured that this would be one of her coordinated efforts to reinforce the country’s immigration protocols.
The new Secretary also identified revamping the Secret Service as a priority. We must reform an agency tasked with safeguarding our leaders. Our recent experiences underscore the need for change, she stated. Drawing from her experience with gubernatorial protection in South Dakota, she aims to implement effective reforms to enhance the agency's efficiency.
Noem committed to executing her duties with impartiality, particularly in issues such as disaster response and relief. She stressed that her leadership would be marked by adherence to law and transparent governance, devoid of political influence, bearing a message of dependable public service.