Trump
President-elect Donald Trump plans on nominating South Dakota Republican Governor, Kristi Noem, for the role of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security according to a number of reliable sources. This spot in the Trump administration will place Noem in charge over significant federal agencies including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Secret Service, TSA, and the Coast Guard. Noem, who is 52 years old, has consistently expressed her backing for Trump’s rigorous immigration policies and defended her Republican governor colleagues in their efforts to regulate migrants in their respective states.
Noem
Governor Kristi Noem has been a staunch critic of President Joe Biden’s handling of border security, reiterating points made by Trump about the alleged influx of violent criminals. In an earlier interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’, she accused Biden of neglecting federal law, resulting in the entry of dangerous individuals into the country. She has also been seen in the political headlines due to her response to questions about Trump’s potential plans to pardon convicts involved in the January 6 riots, as she evaded the question, stating it would be Trump’s prerogative. Rumors circulated that Noem was being considered as a vice presidential running mate for Trump, before controversy arose due to a confession in her book revealing she once killed a dog.
Homeland Security
In accordance with Trump’s immigration policies, if Noem is confirmed, she will work alongside Stephen Miller, who is expected to serve as the deputy chief of staff for policy. Miller played a crucial role in molding some of Trump’s harshest immigration policies during his initial term. Noem, despite her lack of national security experience, has exhibited her stance on immigration while serving as Governor. She announced her decision not to accept any illegal immigrants that the Biden Administration sought to relocate and supported Trump’s previous travel ban on Muslims while serving as a Congressman. Liaising with Tom Homan, selected by Trump as his ‘border czar,’ they will embark on implementing immigration management policies.