The United States Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as the new Secretary of Homeland Security on Saturday (January 25) with a bipartisan vote of 59-34. Noem, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, will lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a key agency in the administration’s immigration and border security plans.
Noem, who has served as the governor of South Dakota since 2019, brings a diverse background as a former state legislator and four-term congresswoman. As the head of DHS, she will oversee a vast department responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. Secret Service, among others.
During her confirmation hearing, Noem emphasized the importance of securing U.S. borders and addressing illegal immigration, aligning with President Trump’s agenda. She stated, “We must secure our borders against illegal trafficking and immigration,” and highlighted the need to safeguard critical infrastructure against cyberattacks and respond to natural disasters and terrorism.
Noem’s confirmation comes as President Trump begins his second term, marked by executive actions on immigration, including a national emergency declaration at the southern border. Despite her lack of direct experience in homeland security, Noem’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her stance on border security have kept her in the national spotlight.
Her appointment has not been without controversy. Last year, Noem faced criticism over a personal anecdote in which she described shooting a family dog, an incident she defended as a demonstration of her capability to handle difficult tasks.
Noem expressed gratitude to President Trump and the Senate for their trust, stating, “Together, we will ensure that the United States, once again, is a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come.”
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