Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, is stepping into a major role as the new Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate confirmed her on January 25, 2025, with a 59-34 vote, making her the latest figure to take charge of the massive agency responsible for everything from border security to disaster response.
Prioritizing Border Security on the Agenda
Noem was not afraid to outline her plans during her confirmation hearings. She referred to the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border as a crisis and promised to concentrate on improving border security and changing immigration laws. Noem, a strong ally of former President Donald Trump, is anticipated to advocate for policies consistent with his administration’s more aggressive immigration policies.
“My priority is keeping America safe,” Noem said during her remarks to the Senate. “That starts with securing our borders and ensuring our laws are upheld fairly and consistently.”
What’s Her Experience?
Noem brings political experience to the table, having represented South Dakota in Congress from 2011 to 2019 and as governor since 2019. She has, however, been criticism for lacking prior experience in national security or law enforcement. According to her supporters, her strong national security stance and leadership experience make her an ideal candidate for the role.
What to Expect Under Noem’s Leadership
As Secretary, Noem will be in charge of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FEMA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. During her term, border security, immigration enforcement, and handling issues like disaster readiness and asylum claims are anticipated to be major priorities. A lot of people are interested in how her leadership will influence the agency’s goals in the upcoming months.
