Kristi Noem Confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security
The Senate confirmed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday, January 25, 2025, by a bipartisan vote of 59-34. Noem, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, will lead the sprawling agency tasked with enforcing the administration’s aggressive immigration agenda, including securing the U.S.-Mexico border and cracking down on illegal immigration.
Noem’s confirmation marks her as the fourth Trump nominee to be approved by the Senate, following the confirmations of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. During her confirmation hearing, Noem emphasized her commitment to border security, calling the southern border “the number one threat to our homeland security.” She pledged to shut down the CBP One app, which allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments, and to support Trump’s plans to end Biden-era parole programs and expand deportation efforts.
Noem, who served two terms as South Dakota’s governor, gained national prominence for her opposition to COVID-19 mask and lockdown mandates and for deploying the state’s National Guard to the southern border in response to what she described as an “invasion.” She also highlighted her experience with disaster response, having worked with federal officials to address flooding in South Dakota.
As DHS secretary, Noem will oversee 22 agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Secret Service. Her role will also involve addressing cybersecurity threats, counterterrorism, and disaster relief. However, her lack of prior national security experience has raised questions about her ability to manage the department’s complex responsibilities.
Noem’s confirmation reflects the Trump administration’s focus on immigration enforcement, with plans to militarize the border, restrict asylum, and end birthright citizenship. Her appointment solidifies her standing within the Republican Party, despite past controversies, including her admission in a memoir to shooting a hunting dog.
The Senate’s approval of Noem underscores the administration’s determination to implement its immigration policies, even as Democrats express concerns about the direction of border enforcement and the potential politicization of disaster relief efforts.
Senate confirms Kristi Noem as Trump’s Department of Homeland Security secretary
The Senate on Saturday confirmed Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, at a time when border security and illegal immigration are t
www.foxnews.com
Kristi Noem confirmed as secretary of homeland security
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, the firebrand who gained a national spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic, was confirmed by the Senate.
abcnews.go.com
Senate confirms Kristi Noem as Trump's Secretary of Homeland Security
Noem will be in charge of executing one of President Trump's biggest priorities in his second term: cracking down on immigration.
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Senate confirms Noem to lead Department of Homeland Security
The Senate on Saturday approved the nomination of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), putting her at
thehill.com
Kristi Noem confirmed as DHS secretary
The former South Dakota governor will help carry out Trump’s immigration agenda.
www.politico.com
Kristi Noem wins Senate approval to lead Trump's DHS
The Senate voted 59-34 Saturday to confirm Noem.
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Senate approves Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary
South Dakota governor Kristi Noem has been confirmed as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
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Kristi Noem confirmed as homeland security secretary
Noem will now lead a federal department tasked with enforcing Trump’s hardline immigration policies, despite her lack of experience with homeland secu
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