The Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as the new Secretary of Homeland Security on Saturday by a vote of 59-34. This confirmation puts the former South Dakota governor in charge of a crucial agency that plays a vital role in national security and President Donald Trump’s efforts to tighten control over illegal immigration.
Republicans worked to keep the Senate in session on Saturday to ensure the installation of the latest member of Trump’s national security team. Prior to Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was confirmed on Friday night, joining Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The Senate was set to vote on Scott Bessent’s confirmation as treasury secretary on Monday evening.
In a statement following her confirmation, Noem expressed her commitment to keeping all Americans safe and secure in her new role as Secretary of Homeland Security. She thanked President Trump and the Senate for their trust in her and pledged to work towards making the United States a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for future generations.
Noem was sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security at the residence of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, with photos of the ceremony posted on social media by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. Vice President JD Vance’s spokesperson, Taylor Van Kirk, cited a scheduling conflict for the delay in Noem’s swearing-in, but expressed excitement for the changes she would bring to the Department of Homeland Security and border security efforts.
Shortly after her confirmation, Noem resigned from her position as governor of South Dakota, where she had served two terms totaling six years. Her lieutenant governor, Larry Rhoden, assumed the role of the state’s 34th governor. Noem, a strong ally of Trump, garnered some support from Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during the nomination process.
Republicans in the Senate expressed confidence in Noem’s ability to lead on border security and immigration enforcement, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasizing the importance of addressing the crisis at the border and restoring respect for the rule of law. Noem’s confirmation was seen as a crucial step towards achieving these goals.
The homeland security secretary oversees several key agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. The department is also responsible for various other tasks such as securing airline transportation, protecting dignitaries, and responding to natural disasters.
Trump has outlined plans for significant changes within the Department of Homeland Security, including involving the military in immigration enforcement and reshaping FEMA. These plans could put Noem in the spotlight as she takes on her new role, especially following the president’s visits to disaster sites in North Carolina and California.
During her Senate hearing, Noem faced questions from Democratic senators about disaster aid administration and potential conflicts with the president’s directives. While she did not explicitly state that she would defy Trump, she assured lawmakers that programs would be delivered according to the law without political bias.
Noem’s background includes serving as South Dakota’s lone U.S. House representative for eight years before becoming governor in 2019. She has aligned closely with Trump throughout her political career, even being considered as a potential running mate for the president. However, her reputation took a hit following the release of a book containing controversial accounts, including a story about killing her hunting dog and a false claim about meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
If confirmed, Noem will be tasked with executing Trump’s agenda on border security, including the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. This presents a challenge for Noem, given South Dakota’s reliance on migrant labor for various industries. Despite this, she has pledged to carry out the president’s orders and has echoed his rhetoric on border security.
Noem’s decision to send National Guard troops to Texas to assist with Operation Lone Star, aimed at deterring migrants, received criticism for accepting a large donation from a billionaire to cover deployment costs. She defended her actions by referring to the situation at the border as an “invasion” and likening it to a war zone.
Overall, Noem’s confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security signals a new chapter in the department’s leadership, with a focus on border security, immigration enforcement, and national security under the Trump administration. Her tenure will be closely watched as she navigates the challenges and responsibilities of this critical role.
