President-elect Trump has announced that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will be leading the Department of Homeland Security, a crucial agency responsible for border security, emergency relief, and cybersecurity.
Trump highlighted Governor Noem's proactive measures in sending National Guard soldiers to the southern border in Texas, underscoring her strong stance on border security. He expressed confidence in her ability to work closely with 'Border Czar' Tom Homan to ensure the safety and security of the American homeland.
In response to her appointment, Governor Noem expressed feeling honored and humbled, emphasizing her commitment to securing the border and restoring safety to American communities.
Noem, a former member of Congress, assumed the governorship of South Dakota in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. She is married to Byron and has three children.
One of the notable aspects of Governor Noem's tenure is her decision to ban TikTok from state-owned devices in 2022 due to concerns about the company's ties to China. Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for cybersecurity, with Dakota State University boasting a leading cyber unit and the state witnessing significant growth in the cybersecurity industry.
Furthermore, Governor Noem has firsthand experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) due to the state's encounters with flooding, including record-setting floods in June. Her familiarity with FEMA's operations positions her well to address emergency relief efforts effectively.
On the issue of border security, Governor Noem has supported a pause on accepting migrants from terrorist hot spots and pledged not to accept more migrants from the Biden administration in 2021. Her alignment with President-elect Trump on border security and deportation priorities underscores her commitment to national security and public safety.
