President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will nominate South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security, starting next year.
In a statement, President Trump cited Noem's strong record of work on border security in his nomination as Republicans seek to crack down on illegal immigration.
“Christie has been very strong on border security. She was the first governor to send in the National Guard to help fight the Biden border crisis in Texas, and they did it a total of eight times,” Trump, 78, said. he said.
“She will work closely with 'Border Czar' Tom Homan to secure the border and ensure that the American homeland is protected from enemies.”
Noem, who first took the governor's seat in 2018, said he is humbled by his appointment to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
“I look forward to working with Border Czar Tom Homan to make America safe again,” Noem said.
“Together with Donald Trump, we will secure our borders, restore safety to American communities, and ensure that families have a chance to pursue the American Dream again.”
