Washington, D.C. — Donald Trump has appointed Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, which is one of the largest agencies in the federal government. This role is crucial to his commitment to strengthen border security and execute a significant deportation initiative.
Here are five essential facts about Kristi Noem:
A Ranch Background
At 52 years of age, Kristi Noem was born in Watertown, South Dakota, and grew up on a ranch and farm located just outside the city. Tragically, her father died following a grain-bin accident when he was just 49. Noem reflected on her father’s passing in a 2022 interview with a news outlet, describing it as devastating for her family. “He was my best friend. I had planned my life around working with him,” she said.
In 2006, Noem entered the political arena by winning a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives. In 2010, she secured a spot in the state’s at-large congressional seat, and in 2018, she made history by becoming the first female governor of South Dakota, a position she successfully retained in the 2022 elections.
Following her governorship, Noem allied with Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s campaign manager from 2016. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she gained recognition within conservative circles for resisting many regulations aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. She has become a familiar figure in Trump’s political sphere and was at one time seen as a potential running mate.
She is also a dedicated hunter who enjoys pheasant hunting and organizes an annual hunting event for governors. Additionally, she is known for her exceptional horseback riding skills.
Controversial Canine Incident
Earlier this year, Noem faced backlash for an incident she recounted in her book involving the death of her 14-month-old hunting dog, Cricket. The dog was described as overly energetic, prompting Noem to bring her on a hunting trip with more experienced dogs in the hope of calming her down. Unfortunately, the situation escalated when Cricket allegedly attacked a family’s chickens. In her book, Noem described a moment when Cricket turned to bite her, leading her to conclude that she had to put the dog down. This decision sparked criticism while she defended it as a testament to her ability to make tough decisions.
Strong Stance on Immigration
Noem has been an unwavering supporter of Trump, particularly regarding immigration issues. After Trump’s election, she stated, “President Trump will deport the most dangerous illegal aliens first — the murderers, rapists, and other criminals that Harris and Biden let into the country. They do not belong here.” Recently, she joined fellow Republican governors in sending military assistance to Texas as part of Operation Lone Star, aimed at deterring migration. Her actions faced significant scrutiny, especially after revealing that much of the funding for the deployment came from a $1 million donation made by a Tennessee billionaire known for his political contributions.
Noem characterized the U.S. border with Mexico as a “war zone,” asserting that the troops would tackle challenges related to drug trafficking and human trafficking. However, official records depicted a more complex view of their mission.
Relationship with Native Tribes
In 2019, the Oglala Sioux Tribe publicly stated that she was unwelcome on the Pine Ridge reservation after she supported legislation aimed at curbing protests like those against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner expressed their disapproval through a formal letter, warning Noem of a potential banishment from their territory if she disregarded the message.
Additionally, Noem has had disputes with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe over Fourth of July fireworks at Mount Rushmore, a site the tribe considers a desecration of their historical land.
Real Estate License Controversy
In 2020, Noem’s daughter faced denial of her real estate appraiser license application by the relevant South Dakota agency. Following that incident, Noem convened a meeting involving the agency head, her daughter’s direct supervisor, and the state labor secretary. Eventually, a few months later, her daughter received the certification. This led to a legislative inquiry that found instances of preferential treatment. Noem has consistently denied that her daughter received any favoritism regarding her licensure.
