WASHINGTON (AP) — Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota and Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will appear before the Senate on Friday for her confirmation hearing. This will be her opportunity to present her plans for the agency, which plays a key role in Trump’s strategy to combat illegal immigration.
Noem, a two-term governor and former U.S. congresswoman, was selected by Trump to head the department responsible for overseeing immigration enforcement and border security. The DHS includes agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. The department also manages airline security, protects high-profile dignitaries, and responds to natural disasters, among other responsibilities.
Noem would succeed Alejandro Mayorkas, the current DHS Secretary, who faced strong criticism from Republicans due to the rising number of migrants crossing the southern border. Mayorkas was impeached in early 2024 by Republican lawmakers.
Taking on this role would be a significant challenge for Noem, as the DHS secretary position has seen instability in recent years, with six individuals holding the job during Trump’s first term.
Noem appears to have substantial support from GOP senators, whose votes will be critical for her confirmation.
Senator Rand Paul, the Republican chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, expects the hearing to proceed smoothly. “I’m not aware of any real specific complaints from the Democrats about Kristi Noem,” he said. “I think there’s a reasonable chance that she gets some Democrat support.”
However, some Democrats have raised concerns about her qualifications. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a Democrat on the committee, expressed doubts about Noem’s ability to lead such a large, complex department. “I have serious doubts about her ability to manage this huge organization, which has such serious consequences for national security,” Blumenthal said.
Noem has been a frequent ally of Trump, gaining visibility within his circle and at one point being considered as a potential running mate. As governor, she worked closely with Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s 2016 campaign manager. She became known for her resistance to pandemic-related regulations, positioning herself as a conservative leader.
On immigration, Noem has echoed Trump’s hardline rhetoric. “The situation at our southern border is nothing short of an invasion,” Noem said during her State of the State address on Tuesday. “Over the last four years, America’s border security has been purposely weakened and ignored. Our laws have not been enforced.”
Noem also joined other Republican governors in sending troops to Texas to support Operation Lone Star, an initiative aimed at deterring migrants. Her involvement in the mission was controversial, particularly because she funded much of the deployment with a $1 million donation from a Tennessee billionaire known for supporting Republican causes.
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