Special Poll
- Trump nominates South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for DHS secretary
- Noem is the current governor of South Dakota.
- Trump praised her, stating she would be a key part of the mission to “Make America Safe Again.”
- Background on Kristi Noem
- Noem previously served as a U.S. House member before becoming governor in 2018.
- She has been a strong supporter of Trump, frequently attending conservative events and advocating for his policies.
- Known for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which she promoted as a “light-touch” approach.
- Noem’s Actions as Governor
- Sent South Dakota National Guard troops to the southern border at least five times, echoing Trump’s hardline stance.
- Described the border as a “warzone” and deployed soldiers for border wall construction to combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
- Challenges Ahead as DHS Secretary
- Noem will face significant pressure from Trump regarding immigration enforcement, including deportations and border security.
- DHS has a broad portfolio, including cybersecurity, election security, the Secret Service, and the TSA, but immigration will likely be her top focus.
- Her tenure will face scrutiny from civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups.
- Noem’s 2024 Campaign
- She was initially considered a strong contender to be Trump’s vice-presidential running mate.
- Her prospects for the role diminished after controversy surrounding a passage in her autobiography where she described fatally shooting her dog, Cricket.