South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem headed to the Capitol on Friday for her confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security. The hearing will likely focus on border security and plans to launch a large-scale deportation operation.
Noem, who was nominated by President-elect Trump to lead DHS, will appear before the Senate Homeland Security Committee at 9 a.m. ET.
Governors have largely stayed out of the spotlight, with more controversial candidates gaining the attention of politicians and the media. But if confirmed, she would play a key role in the incoming administration, leading an agency involved in not only border security but also cybersecurity, natural disaster response and counterterrorism.
Senate Republicans begin holding confirmation hearings to help President Trump achieve his ambitious goals
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks before former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump takes the stage at the Buckeye Values PAC rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on March 16, 2024. (Kamil Krzazinski/AFP via Getty Images)
Its extensive role has been highlighted in recent days by the wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) playing a key role in the response. The importance of FEMA was made clear during the hurricane season late last year.
She will also work on cybersecurity fights, including combating the threat of Communist China.
Natural disaster response and cybersecurity are both areas Noem has experience with. As governor, she banned TikTok from state-owned devices in 2022, citing its ties to China. Separately, Dakota State University has one of the top cyber departments in the nation, and cybersecurity is the fastest growing industry in South Dakota, an expansion encouraged by Noem.
Noem has deep experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as the state has dealt with flooding, including in June, when the state experienced record flooding.
Noem, a former congresswoman, was elected governor of South Dakota in 2018 and is up for re-election in 2022.
What you need to know about Kristi Noem, the 'border hawk' nominated by President Trump to lead DHS
But it's likely border security and President Trump's promise to launch a historic deportation operation that will likely come up in contentious exchanges.
Trump nominated Noem, saying she would be “very strong” on border security.
Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens to a speech by North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem at the Buckeye Values PAC rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on March 16, 2024. (Kamil Krzazinski/AFP via Getty Images)
“She will work closely with 'Border Czar' Tom Homan to secure the border and ensure that the American mainland is safe from adversaries. I have known Christie for years and have been with her extensively “We have been working together on projects that are a big part of our mission to make America safe again,” President Trump said in a statement.
“Together with Donald Trump, I will secure our borders, restore safety to American communities, and ensure our families have a chance to pursue the American dream again,” Noem said.
Homan will be tasked with leading deportation operations, while Noem will be in charge of DHS agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While Democrats may choose to question Noem about his opposition to mass deportations, many Democrats are increasingly concerned about border security and security after the historic border crisis under the Biden administration only recently subsided. The department has taken a positive stance on legislation that would require ICE detention of illegal immigrants. And it was the most important issue in the 2024 election.
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Noem previously supported a moratorium on immigration from terrorist-prone areas. As governor, she pledged not to accept any more migrants from the Biden administration in 2021 and deployed the National Guard to the Texas border.
“My message is illegal immigration It’s — call me when you’re an American,” she said on Facebook in 2021.
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Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is the new chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. told McClatchy He believes Noem's confirmation will be quick and that she will likely have several Democrats voting yes.
“The bar is so low that I think any attempt to slow down mass illegal immigration will be an improvement,” Paul said. “I think they're going to be very aggressive, not just with her, but overall.” [Trump] management. “
