President-elect Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a move signaling his continued focus on hardline immigration policies and border security. The decision, first reported by sources close to the transition team, comes as Trump prepares for a second term with an aggressive stance on national security and immigration reform.
Noem, who has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, was previously considered a potential running mate for Trump during the 2020 election, but her prospects faded after the release of her autobiography, in which she described having killed an "untrainable" dog. While her vice presidential bid did not materialize, Noem's new role as DHS head places her at the forefront of the Trump administration's national security strategy.
As the head of DHS, Noem would oversee a sprawling agency charged with protecting the U.S. from terrorism, securing the nation's borders, and enforcing immigration laws. Among the agency’s major responsibilities is carrying out Trump’s promise of the “largest deportation operation in American history,” which will be a centerpiece of his second term’s immigration agenda.
A Hardline Approach on Immigration
Noem’s selection aligns with Trump’s continued commitment to a hardline immigration policy. The Governor has long been a vocal advocate for stronger border security and tougher measures on illegal immigration. During her time as governor, Noem sent the South Dakota National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border in a show of support for Trump’s border security initiatives. In 2021, she took to social media to criticize the Biden administration’s relocation of migrants, saying, “South Dakota won’t be taking any illegal immigrants that the Biden Administration wants to relocate. My message to illegal immigrants… call me when you’re an American.”
Her record on immigration dates back to her time in Congress, where she supported Trump’s controversial Muslim travel ban and advocated for a temporary pause on refugee resettlement from regions she described as "terrorist hotbeds." “I share the President’s concerns about our ability to screen refugees—especially those from terrorist hotbed areas,” Noem stated in 2017. “I support putting a temporary pause on accepting refugees from terrorist-held areas—at least until the administration can certify that asylum-seekers do not present a safety threat to the U.S.”
Trump’s immigration team will include longtime allies such as Stephen Miller, whom Trump has tapped as deputy chief of staff for policy. Miller, known for his role in shaping many of Trump’s most hardline immigration policies in his first term, will work closely with Noem at DHS. Additionally, Trump has appointed Tom Homan, a former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to serve as the administration's "border czar." Homan, a staunch proponent of strict immigration enforcement, recently made headlines by suggesting that “families can be deported together” as part of Trump’s sweeping immigration plan.
Noem's Limited National Security Experience
Though Noem has a record of advocating for strong border security and immigration enforcement, her experience in national security is more limited. She has not held a position directly tied to defense or intelligence but has positioned herself as a staunch defender of U.S. borders. Her leadership of DHS would see her oversee critical agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA plays a vital role in preventing cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure, including financial systems, utilities, and government agencies.
Despite her lack of direct experience in national security, Noem’s strong conservative credentials, particularly on immigration and public safety, have made her a favored pick for this high-profile role.
A Familiar Face to Trump’s Base
Noem’s selection is also a nod to her popularity within Trump’s base. A consistent ally, she was a frequent presence on the campaign trail, where she appeared alongside Trump at rallies and events. In one particularly memorable instance, Noem joined Trump at an event that turned into an impromptu music listening session after a series of medical emergencies forced attendees to be treated by paramedics.
In a statement following her selection, Noem expressed her commitment to supporting the president’s agenda. "I love being Governor of South Dakota, and President Trump knows that I’ll help him however I can," she said.
The Department of Homeland Security plays a critical role in protecting the country from external threats while ensuring internal security. With Noem’s appointment, the Trump administration is signaling a continuation of its aggressive immigration policies and a focus on securing U.S. borders—issues that were central to Trump’s first presidential campaign and remain key pillars of his political identity.