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• President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kristi Noem as the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
• Noem faced a Senate confirmation hearing on January 17, 2025, to discuss her qualifications and vision for the role.
• If confirmed, she will play a crucial role in implementing Trump’s immigration and border security policies.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Kristi Noem, the current Governor of South Dakota and a former U.S. congresswoman, has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Her nomination is central to Trump’s plans for immigration crackdowns, mass deportations, and tightened border security.

Core Players

• Kristi Noem – Governor of South Dakota, former U.S. congresswoman
• Donald Trump – President-elect
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Key Numbers

• 60,000+ – Number of employees in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of DHS
• 2021 – Year Noem sent South Dakota National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border
• 2024 – Year Trump announced Noem as his pick for DHS Secretary
• 6 – Number of people who cycled through the DHS Secretary position during Trump’s first term

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

Trump’s nomination of Kristi Noem for the DHS Secretary position comes as part of his broader strategy to enforce strict immigration policies. Noem has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s immigration stance, calling migration across the U.S. southern border “nothing short of an invasion.”

Noem’s confirmation hearing on January 17, 2025, was her first opportunity to outline her vision for the department and address concerns from senators.

Inside Forces

Noem’s background includes serving as a U.S. congresswoman and currently as the Governor of South Dakota. She has been involved in Trump’s orbit, particularly during his 2016 campaign and through her work with Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s 2016 campaign manager.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem gained prominence in conservative circles for resisting government regulations aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.

Power Dynamics

The confirmation process is likely to be influenced by the Republican control of the Senate, which could facilitate a smoother confirmation for Noem. However, Democrats have expressed serious doubts about her qualifications to manage the complex and critical responsibilities of DHS.

Sen. Rand Paul, the Republican chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, has indicated his support for Noem, while Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, has raised concerns about her ability to manage the department.

Outside Impact

If confirmed, Noem will oversee key agencies including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Her leadership will be crucial in implementing Trump’s policies on deportation, visa changes, and border security.

Noem has committed to ending the use of the CBP One app for scheduling asylum applications and reinstating a Trump-era policy requiring asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court.

Future Forces

Noem’s confirmation would set the stage for significant changes in immigration and border security policies. Trump has promised to impose 25% tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada until these countries meet his demands on reducing the flow of drugs and migrants.

The broader implications include potential shifts in how the U.S. manages its borders, responds to natural disasters, and secures airline transportation and dignitaries.

Data Points

• Dec. 8, 2024: Trump announces several cabinet picks, including Noem for DHS Secretary
• Jan. 17, 2025: Noem’s Senate confirmation hearing
• 2021: Noem sends South Dakota National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border
• 60,000+ employees: U.S. Customs and Border Protection workforce
• 6 people: Number of DHS Secretaries during Trump’s first term