WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is poised to cast a pivotal vote on the confirmation of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. The South Dakota Governor is set to oversee the multifaceted agency imperative to national security and former President Donald Trump’s immigration policy initiatives. This decision could signal notable shifts in national security under Trump’s administration.
Kristi NoemRepublicans are committed to maintaining a Senate session through the weekend if required, eager to install the latest addition to Trump’s national security team. Previously confirmed was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. A Senate vote on Noem’s confirmation is expected in the middle of the day on Saturday.
Governor Noem, now serving her second term as South Dakota’s governor, saw bipartisan support during her Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, which advanced her nomination with a 13-2 vote. With Republicans in control, the Senate possesses the votes necessary to secure her confirmation, bolstered by confidence in her capabilities to lead border security and immigration oversight efforts.
“Fixing this crisis and restoring respect for the rule of law is one of President Trump and Republicans’ top priorities,” asserted Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Friday. “And it’s going to require a decisive and committed leader at the Department of Homeland Security. I believe Kristi has everything it takes to undertake this task.”
John ThuneThe Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with overseeing U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Beyond immigration, the department is responsible for securing airline travel, managing natural disaster responses, and protecting dignitaries.
Changes in departmental function are expected under Trump’s plans, including potential military involvement in immigration enforcement and the reformation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Governor Noem will likely be at the forefront of implementing these changes, receiving immediate national attention.
During Noem’s Senate hearing, she faced questions from Democratic senators regarding the impartial administration of disaster aid. Noem reassured the lawmakers, stating, “I will deliver the programs according to the law and that it will be done with no political bias.”
South Dakota’s history reflects a growing conservative base, with notable figures like Noem and Thune championing Republican values. Noem’s rise in the GOP was marked by her tenure as South Dakota’s lone U.S. House representative before serving as governor in 2019. Her governance aligns closely with Trump’s policies, though not without controversy.
Her recent book release sparked debate with its sharing of personal anecdotes, including a contentious account of her hunting dog’s death and an unfounded claim of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Despite this, her political ascent continued, following Trump’s endorsement and shared policy goals.
South DakotaNoteworthy is Noem’s decision to send South Dakota National Guard troops to Texas for Operation Lone Star—a move criticized due to financial support from a Tennessee billionaire, which raised concerns about alliance and influence over state decisions. Noem defended her action, emphasizing the need for security.
If confirmed, Governor Noem will find herself in a challenging position, balancing the complexities of national security and immigration enforcement, especially given South Dakota’s reliance on immigrant labor. The impending Senate decision draws national interest, underscoring South Dakota’s influence on a key aspect of national politics.