South Dakotans Show Tepid Support for Kristi Noem’s Homeland Security Role
Just over half of South Dakotans approve of Kristi Noem’s performance as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, according to a survey conducted by South Dakota News Watch. The poll, which sampled 500 registered voters, revealed that 51% of respondents approve of Noem’s work in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Meanwhile, 44% disapprove, with a small 5% still uncertain.
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Kristi Noem[/p]
Krisiti Noem, a Castlewood, South Dakota native, previously served as the Governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025, before stepping into her current federal role. Her popularity seems mixed as she transitions from state to national influence. The poll results indicate a cooling of support compared to her tenure as governor, when she garnered a 57% approval rating at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020.
Noem has taken an attention-grabbing approach to immigration enforcement, traveling from New York City to El Salvador and meeting with key international figures. Her activities, including participating in ICE raids and posing with prisoners, have been both controversial and significant in cementing her role as a face of immigration policy under the Trump administration. A marked incident includes the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a prison in El Salvador, which has prompted a federal judge to mandate his return to the United States.
Demographics show varying levels of support, with 71% of Republicans approving of Noem’s performance, but only 44% of Independents and 15% of Democrats showing approval. There is also a noticeable gender divide, as 57% of male voters approve of her work compared to 46% of female voters. Geographically, her highest approval ratings come from voters in the East River/North region, encompassing cities like Aberdeen and Watertown, with a 57% approval rating.
Governor Larry Rhoden, who succeeded Noem, enjoys a higher approval rate of 58% among South Dakotans according to the same poll. Rhoden, originally from Union Center, South Dakota, became the first governor sworn in during a legislative session, succeeding Noem in February. His leadership style reflects continuity in budget policies and public safety initiatives, like maintaining funding for a planned prison project in rural Lincoln County.
Rhoden’s approval rating is strongest among younger voters aged 35-49, with 64% showing support. However, his challenge remains in converting the 25% of survey participants who are undecided on his effectiveness as governor. Larry Rhoden has appealed across party lines, securing support from a diverse range of political affiliations, including 39% of Democrats and 38% of Independents.
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Larry Rhoden[/p]
John Thune, another influential South Dakotan, currently serves as the U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Thune, a seasoned Republican figure, holds a 55% approval rating in his new role, working alongside the Trump administration. Among Republicans, his approval rating soars to 79%, while he garners 40% support from Independents and 19% from Democrats. Thune faces challenges with his political initiatives, such as fostering unity to pass critical legislation like the GOP’s budget reconciliation.
Thune’s approval is robust across the state, although it is slightly lower in the East River/South region, including towns like Mitchell and Yankton. He, similar to his political peers, enjoys higher approval among male voters, with 59% supporting his efforts compared to 50% approval from female voters.
Overall, the survey highlights the complex fabric of political opinions in South Dakota as its prominent figures navigate the shifting political landscape at both state and national levels. As each leader embraces their roles, the support of South Dakotans remains critical in shaping the future direction of state policies and national representation.
Further details of the survey are available through the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, which also co-sponsored the survey.
For further inquiries or feedback, contact Stu Whitney. Stay informed with the latest stories and updates from South Dakota by visiting sdnewswatch.org.