Kristi Noem Confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security
The Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on Saturday morning, appointing a long-time Trump ally to lead the agency. The Senate vote was bipartisan, with 59 in favor and 34 against.
A Strong Political Background
Noem has served as the governor of South Dakota since 2019, building a strong political career. Before that, she was a state legislator and a four-term congresswoman. She now takes on the responsibility of overseeing the Department of Homeland Security. This department manages agencies like US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also oversees FEMA and the US Secret Service, ensuring national security and safety.
Focus on Border Security and Terrorism
In her confirmation hearing, Noem emphasized the importance of securing the nation’s borders, combating illegal trafficking, and tackling immigration issues. She labeled border security as a “top priority” and recognized Trump’s election as a mandate to address these concerns. “The success of DHS is more crucial than ever,” she stated, underscoring the department’s role in protecting against terrorism and cyberattacks.
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Addressing Domestic Terrorism
Noem assured senators that disaster relief efforts under her leadership would remain free from political bias. She emphasized that these efforts would prioritize the needs of the people above all. Furthermore, she highlighted the growing concern of domestic terrorism in the country. Acknowledging that “homegrown terrorism is on the rise,” she expressed deep concern. Noem vowed to make countering domestic terrorism a central focus of her tenure.
A Controversial Figure
Noem’s national profile grew significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, where she opposed mask mandates and social distancing measures. However, controversy surfaced last year when an excerpt from her book revealed she had shot and killed a family dog she deemed “untrainable” and dangerous. Despite the backlash, Noem defended her actions, asserting that it illustrated her ability to make tough, necessary decisions.
