President-elect Donald J. Trump has chosen Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota to lead the Homeland Security Department as he transitions into the White House. At 52, Ms. Noem, a rancher and staunch ally of Trump, is expected to enforce his stricter border control and immigration measures, including mass deportations. If confirmed, she will oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Secret Service.
Ms. Noem, who was re-elected as governor in 2022, has championed conservative cultural issues such as transgender rights and critical race theory. She signed a law prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in school sports according to their gender identity, and pushed for restrictions on teaching critical race theory in schools. During the pandemic, she emphasized individual freedoms and economic concerns, keeping South Dakota open with no mask mandate or significant business restrictions.
Critics argue that her policies led to surges in COVID-19 cases in the state, while supporters praise her for keeping businesses open and the economy stable. With her background in ranching, leadership experience as South Dakota’s lone representative in the House, and her conservative stance on cultural issues, Ms. Noem’s appointment to lead the Homeland Security Department signals a strong emphasis on border control and immigration enforcement in the new administration. As Trump’s cabinet and staff picks continue to be announced, the country watches closely to see how his team will handle these critical issues.
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