Kristi Noem confirmed as homeland security secretary despite lack of experience

Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota, was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on January 25, 2025, by a vote of 59-34 in the Senate. This confirmation makes her the fourth appointee in Donald Trump’s cabinet during his current term, following the confirmations of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, John Ratcliffe as CIA Director, and Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary. The Senate's vote saw support from seven Democrats, though opposition also came from Democratic leaders who expressed concerns regarding her views on border security and immigration enforcement. Noem's nomination received significant attention because she rose to prominence during the coronavirus pandemic and closely aligned her policies with Trump's hard-line immigration approach. Her confirmation follows a tumultuous period for the Department of Homeland Security, which underwent several leadership changes during Trump's first term, with six people serving in that role. Upon her confirmation, Noem is expected to tackle key issues including border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response, which are central to Trump's agenda. During her Senate hearing, Noem addressed questions regarding her commitment to administer disaster aid, even if the President instructed otherwise, stating she would uphold the law without political bias. The Secretary of Homeland Security oversees various agencies responsible for national security, immigration enforcement, as well as disaster management, including FEMA and the Border Patrol. Given the urgency surrounding border security issues—prompting some critics to describe the situation metaphorically as an 'invasion'—Noem's promises to send National Guard troops down to the border have elicited both support and criticism. Noem expressed her intentions to execute Trump's immigration policies rigorously, which include deporting millions of undocumented immigrants. Her positions have drawn scrutiny from political opponents who question the implications of such measures, especially given the diverse opinions within the Democratic Party on how to handle immigration crises. With the Department of Homeland Security's wide-ranging mandate, her confirmation puts her at the forefront of some of the most contentious issues facing the new administration.