Former President Donald Trump, in the final days of preparation for his return to politics, is expected to tap South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. This expected move would place Noem at the front of one of the most fundamental federal departments in the country, with tasks of protecting the U.S. borders and oversight of immigration enforcement, among others. Considering her close relationship with Trump and her staunch border security ideologies, Noem appears to fit Trump’s mold for a hardened Homeland Security apparatus.
If selected, Noem would have management of agencies under DHS, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ICE, the U.S. Secret Service, and FEMA. Such agencies have been at the forefront of protecting the nation’s borders and dealing with disasters in terms of immigration or emergencies within America. She also would work directly with Tom Homan, just appointed as Trump’s “border czar” and Stephen Miller, the new White House deputy of staff for policy.
Who is Noem?
Kristi Noem has been governor of South Dakota since 2019 and is known nationally, in large part because she often makes headlines for her staunch support for Trump’s policies. Before being governor, Noem spent four terms in the U.S. Tenure that developed her political acumen and likewise her relationship with the Republican Party. She has grown to become a recognizable figure in South Dakota and on the national stage due to the policies she has promoted, which reflect Trump’s positions on many major issues, especially those related to immigration and security.
She made headlines in 2020, early in the pandemic, when she persuaded Trump to approve a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore, which he attended and spoke at. The public event in which Noem was particularly deferential to Trump reinforced their relationship, one that continues to shape political discussions today. With some speculation by media outlets that Noem had been a vice-presidential pick for Trump, her recent nomination to the post of DHS secretary shows not only her continued clout and appeal within Trump’s circle but also her immense responsibility moving forward.
Responsibilities and Challenges Ahead
As the chief of DHS, Noem would have to take up a host of sensitive issues. First, immigration is an extremely divisive issue in the U.S.; the traditional stance of the Trump administration is that hard border control is imperative. This would put Noem under compulsion to formulate policies in keeping with the tough approach by Trump toward immigration, implementing the law with rigor and in tandem with meeting humanitarian concerns on the border.
The other big part of the mandate that DHS deals with is disaster response through FEMA. As the frequency and fury of climate events continue to rise, FEMA plays a very important role in managing relief efforts during natural disasters. Should Noem enter the office, she will be tasked with the management of resources, response to crises, and building cooperation among federal and state agencies at times of emergencies. Her previous experience as governor may be helpful with intergovernmental coordination since South Dakota has had its share of natural disasters.
Possible Impact on South Dakota
If Noem is tapped to head DHS, she would have to resign her governorship; her vacancy would send South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden up to the governorship for the remainder of her term. Such a transition would likely spur conversations about the future leadership of South Dakota’s government Rhoden and other would-be candidates are likely to mull over bids for the governor seat in 2026.
Speculation about who might jump into the race has already fired up the state’s political grapevine, with among others, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson and Attorney General Marty Jackley being tossed around. Noem’s exit from state leadership would mean a movement or, more importantly to locals, a change in policy and priorities she favored. But it is likely that Rhoden, being her second-in-command or lieutenant, would continue with much of Noem’s vision for South Dakota intact for the continuity of governance.
A polarizing figure on the national stage
Noem’s career has not been without controversy, especially in the last several years. Her newly released book, “No Going Back,” revealed some pretty unconventional anecdotes that drew national attention. Among these was the peculiar story of shooting a hunting dog in anger over its poor performance, and then shooting a goat while still upset over the incident. This revelation quickly spurred media scrutiny and public reactions, with a few questioning her temperament and leadership style.
The book also included a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that Noem later walked back amid questions if the meeting happened at all. Those disclosures have spurred ridicule on national platforms, as television anchors and late-night hosts have made her the punchline of numerous jokes. But to Noem’s supporters, the media’s reaction is inconsequential, as they view her as a bold and principled leader whose transparency in her accounts only makes her more relatable.
This never undercut her career, as she remained an influential voice within the Republican Party and gave a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention. The fact that she has come out clear-headed amid criticisms from the public, and being consistent on conservative issues, only adds to her qualifications for the VP slot in Trump’s eyes and his supporters’, despite the controversies.
A remain waiting for the actual announcement now.
Although rumors about Trump’s actions have been released, there has not been an official statement by Trump or Noem confirming that she has been nominated to serve as secretary of the DHS. Other news outlets, like CNN, also joined in with quotes from unnamed sources “familiar with the situation” to suggest that an announcement is pending. Until then, the rumors will fly, but with the performance of Noem, her loyalty to Trump, and her consistency with his policies, many find this appointment very probable.
If the announcement were confirmed, it would place Noem at the epicenter of everything from immigration reform to disaster response. On her watch, DHS would set the course for how these challenges will be confronted over the coming years: strict and conservative, according to Trump’s vision for national security. Noem’s potential appointment represents more than a career milestone for her; it is a signal of how Trump continues to reach into U.S. domestic and foreign policy, as details await the American people.
In the end, while Noem’s career has been replete with surprises and under the gaze of the public, her adherence to her conservative principles and the cozy relationship she enjoys with Trump makes her the kind of candidate who would be a profile of interest for the Homeland Security secretary. Chosen, she would bring into a department entrusted with security matters of the land an unrivaled cocktail of resilience, determination, and experience. Her leadership might just leave an indelible mark on both the DHS and the greater political landscape.
