The Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as the next secretary of Homeland Security on Saturday, giving the South Dakota governor bipartisan support to lead a department that will play a key role in implementing Trump’s campaign promises for a tough-on-immigration policy.
The 59-34 vote to approve President Donald Trump’s appointment to head the Department of Homeland Security included six Democrats joining Republicans. The Senate moved forward on the floor vote by unanimous consent, a sign her nomination did not have the contentiousness of other Trump cabinet picks.
DHS will have a hand in Trump’s stated focus of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. But the agency touches on much more, including disaster relief, preventing domestic terror attacks, cybersecurity and airport safety, among other issues.
The Democrats who voted to confirm Noem were Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania; Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire; Tim Kaine of Virginia; Andy Kim of New Jersey; and Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.
Some Democrats already have shown a willingness to go along with Republican immigration policies. A bill to impose stricter penalties on undocumented immigrants who commit crimes in the United States passed both chambers with bipartisan support.
The final confirmation vote on the floor is consistent with strong support she had earlier in the week at the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Following a 13-2 committee vote Monday, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, top Democrat on the panel, said he voted to advance Noem’s nomination because he feels the minority party should have a good working relationship with the secretary of Homeland Security.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, one of two Democrats to vote against her at committee, said he voted “no” because he lacked confidence she would have the fortitude to stand up to Trump if he acted contrary to the law.
Noem enjoyed a breezy Senate confirmation hearing last week, telling lawmakers her experience as governor of South Dakota has prepared her to act on an array of national security concerns, including the U.S.-Mexico, cybersecurity and natural disasters.
Noem said her approach on immigration would be consistent with the hardline views expressed on Trump and promised to act expeditiously on initiatives he promised during the 2024 campaign.
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