South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has officially been confirmed as the new Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate approved her nomination on Saturday with a 59-34 vote. This makes Noem the latest high-profile figure to join President Trump’s cabinet. Earlier in the day, Pete Hegseth was also confirmed as Secretary of Defense
Vows to keep Americans safe
Noem, who gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for her outspoken leadership, has now stepped onto the national stage once again. In her first remarks as Secretary, she vowed to work tirelessly to keep Americans “safe and secure.”
“The Trump Administration will empower law enforcement to do their jobs,” Noem declared. “We will remove criminal aliens and illegal gangs, detect and prevent terror threats, and provide rapid disaster relief.“
Focus on border security and immigration reform
Noem’s confirmation is part of a broader push to fulfill President Trump’s priorities on border security and immigration reform. She has long been a staunch supporter of the president’s border policies and aims to tackle immigration issues head-on.
During her confirmation hearing, Noem made it clear that the southern border is far from secure. “We need to fix it,” she insisted, citing overwhelming support from the American public, including a majority of Hispanic Americans, for Trump’s immigration stance.
Tackling border issues head-on
Noem has a history of taking action on border issues. As South Dakota’s governor, she became the first to send National Guard troops to help Texas amid the growing crisis at the southern border. She promises to continue this momentum, ensuring that Border Patrol agents have the necessary resources to carry out their mission effectively.
One of Noem’s early moves in her new role will be shutting down the CBP One app. This app allowed migrants to make appointments at the border to seek asylum—a system Noem vowed to end during her confirmation hearing.
Overseeing multiple agencies and reforming the Secret Service
As Secretary, Noem will oversee 22 agencies, including the Secret Service, and more than 260,000 employees. These agencies handle everything from border security to federal disaster management. Noem is keenly aware of the challenges these agencies face, particularly the Secret Service. She expressed concern over recent failures in protecting high-profile individuals and vowed to bring reforms to the agency.
“I’ve worked closely with my own protective detail as governor, so I understand what works and what doesn’t,” Noem said. “As Secretary, I’ll use that experience to ensure the Secret Service is fully equipped to carry out its mission.”
She also made a commitment to implement reforms impartially, following the law without political bias. This includes disaster relief efforts, where she promised a fair and effective approach.
“I will deliver programs as per the law—no bias, no exceptions,” she added.
The road ahead for Noem’s leadership
With Noem now confirmed, she is poised to lead the Department of Homeland Security with a sharp focus on immigration, border security, and agency reforms. The Trump administration’s priorities are clear: secure the southern border, eliminate illegal immigration, and bolster national security. Noem’s leadership will be crucial in achieving these goals.
Her confirmation marks the start of a new chapter in her political career, one that could reshape the future of the nation’s homeland security policies. Stay tuned to see how Noem navigates the challenges ahead.