President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to nominate South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as the next secretary of Homeland Security, multiple sources have confirmed. Known for her close alliance with Trump and her strong stance on border security, Noem is set to take on a role overseeing key agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
If selected, Noem would join forces with two other recent appointees in the Trump administration’s immigration team: Tom Homan, who Trump recently appointed as “border czar,” and Stephen Miller, who was named as the White House deputy chief of staff for policy. Together, they represent a formidable trio with extensive experience in hardline immigration policies, a central focus of Trump’s platform.
In recent years, Noem has been a prominent advocate for Trump’s border and immigration policies, frequently deploying South Dakota National Guard troops to assist along the U.S.-Mexico border. Her commitment to border security began early in her governorship, as she noted at a speech in Dallas in 2021: “I was the very first governor that, when Texas and Arizona asked for help, I sent my National Guard troops down there to help.” Her proactive stance and willingness to collaborate on border initiatives have solidified her position as a key figure in Trump’s network.
While Noem had been considered a potential running mate for Trump earlier in the year, she remained committed to her governorship and aligned herself as a staunch supporter throughout his campaign. Her close ties with Trump have been apparent, with regular conversations and appearances on his behalf. Speaking on Fox News’s “Your World” recently, Noem shared insights into Trump’s vision for his upcoming term, saying, “He has told me several times now, a couple of times just since Election Day, about how focused he is on doing big things… he knows he only has four years and wants to hit the ground running.”
In addition to Noem’s anticipated appointment, sources close to Trump’s transition team revealed that Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida is the leading choice for secretary of state, underscoring the president-elect’s commitment to assembling a well-rounded team for his administration. However, as of Tuesday morning, there has been no official announcement regarding Noem’s or Rubio’s appointments.
Noem’s political career spans over a decade, starting as South Dakota’s sole congressional representative before she was elected as governor in 2018. Throughout her tenure, she has maintained a strong Republican platform, advocating for state rights, limited government intervention, and a strict immigration stance. Her loyalty and frequent representation of Trump’s agenda have made her a trusted figure within his political circle, positioning her as a natural choice for a Cabinet role.
Should Noem be confirmed, she will face the immediate challenge of advancing Trump’s border security plans in collaboration with Homan and Miller, both of whom have been influential figures in shaping Trump’s immigration policies. Homan, who previously served as the acting director of ICE, brings extensive field experience, while Miller’s policy expertise and strategic planning have played a significant role in the administration’s immigration initiatives.
Noem’s nomination signals Trump’s commitment to advancing his “America First” policies in immigration and national security. With Noem, Homan, and Miller leading the charge, the Department of Homeland Security is expected to see a renewed focus on border fortification and stronger immigration controls.
As Noem continues her work in South Dakota, where she was re-elected with a strong mandate in 2022, she will soon face the confirmation process, where her policies and leadership will be scrutinized by both supporters and critics. This transition marks a pivotal moment in her career, allowing her to move from state governance to a prominent federal role in the Trump administration’s Cabinet.
While the nomination process awaits final confirmation, Noem’s dedication to Trump’s vision and her track record in state and national politics have positioned her as a prominent advocate for stronger border security measures, appealing to conservative voters across the nation. This alignment with Trump’s priorities sets the stage for a potentially impactful tenure at the Department of Homeland Security.