In a landmark State of the State address, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem bid farewell, marking the potential end of her tenure as she prepares for a new role under President-elect Donald Trump. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Secretary of Homeland Security, a transition awaits the state leadership, possibly placing Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden at the helm.
Noem’s anticipated resignation comes after years of service as South Dakota’s first female governor, leaving behind a legacy marked by conservative values and policies aimed at bolstering the state’s economy and safeguarding individual freedoms.
Kristi Noem
During her address at the Capitol in Pierre, Noem focused on her administration’s accomplishments while highlighting her aspirations at the federal level. Her rhetoric centered around questions of national legacy, asking, “What kind of country do we want to leave to our families?” She expressed her commitment to ensuring a safer and more prosperous America, an ambition likely to resonate as she transitions to a federal role.
The confirmation hearing, initially slated for Wednesday in Washington, D.C., has been rescheduled to Friday at 9 a.m. Eastern time. This key step will determine the transition in South Dakotan leadership, where Noem expressed confidence in Lt. Gov. Rhoden’s abilities to lead the state, declaring he will “lead this state just as I would.”
Noem’s administration has been marked by bold moves, including several deployments of the South Dakota National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border, aiming to curb what she termed an “invasion” of undocumented immigrants contributing to drug trafficking issues affecting South Dakota.
Throughout her tenure, Noem has emphasized her strong advocacy for Second Amendment rights, business-friendly investments, and stringent anti-abortion policies. Her administration’s infrastructure improvements and initiatives supporting prenatal and maternal healthcare reflect a holistic approach to state development.
A notable announcement during her address was the reintroduction of fireworks at Mount Rushmore in 2026, celebrating America’s 250th birthday. This effort aligns with Noem’s previous collaboration with then-President Trump to revive the tradition in 2020, although it faced challenges during the Biden administration due to environmental concerns.
Among her many initiatives, Noem highlighted a $200,000 grant to transition the Keep Farmers Farming program to the South Dakota Ag Foundation, ensuring continued support for estate and transition planning for farmers — a cornerstone of South Dakota’s economy.
Noem’s introduction of education savings accounts has sparked significant controversy, dividing educators and lawmakers. Proponents argue it enhances the educational landscape by fostering competition between private and public schools, while opponents fear it diverts crucial funding from public education. South Dakota notably ranks 49th in the nation for teacher pay, underscoring the urgency of education reform within the state.
Larry Rhoden
Reflecting on her legacy, Noem honored those who have demonstrated heroism in state emergencies, such as the brave response during the Big Sioux River flooding. Her commitment to recognizing and incentivizing community resilience remains a testament to her leadership style.
The baton, symbolically passed during her address, came in the form of a baseball bat handed to Lt. Gov. Rhoden. It signifies not just a change in leadership but a call to continue the work Noem initiated. Smaller replicas were given to lawmakers to remind them of their responsibilities moving forward.
In her closing remarks, Noem expressed gratitude to the people of South Dakota, stating, “Thank you for the incredible honor of serving you as state representative, as congresswoman, and now as governor. Thank you for trusting me and for working with me to accomplish incredible things.” Her words underscore her commitment to both state and national progress, encapsulating the spirit of her administration.