Kristi Noem, recently nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security by President Donald Trump, is currently the governor of South Dakota. Known for her alignment with Trump’s policies, Noem has advocated for stricter immigration policies and physical border security. Her experience includes roles in South Dakota’s state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives, giving her a solid legislative background. Her reputation for supporting conservative values and policies has made her a natural choice for this role.
What Could She Do in This Role?
As Secretary, Noem is expected to take strong action on immigration enforcement, supporting Trump's vision for mass deportations and enhanced border fortifications. She will work closely with Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed “border czar,” to address challenges at the southern U.S. border. She may also prioritize physical security measures, possibly expanding on Trump-era initiatives like border wall construction and tighter immigration checks.
Role and Responsibilities of the Secretary of Homeland Security
The Secretary of Homeland Security oversees a broad mandate, from immigration enforcement and border security to cybersecurity and emergency response. DHS includes specialized agencies, such as Customs and Border Protection, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Noem’s role will involve coordinating these agencies to tackle a range of national security threats, from terrorism and cyber-attacks to natural disasters. She is anticipated to bring a direct, ideologically-driven approach to this role, drawing on her loyalty to Trump’s security agenda.
Leadership Style and Outlook
Noem’s style is likely to be assertive, relying on her conservative principles and willingness to take bold positions. However, her relative inexperience in federal security operations could mean she’ll closely follow Trump’s direction and lean on key advisors like Homan to shape DHS policy. This hands-on, resolute approach is expected to characterize her leadership in an era of renewed focus on border and national security.
Illustration by Eric Faison/The Daily Beast/Getty
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