Brooks: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's fealty to Trump gets rewarded with Cabinet post

Noem accepted post as Special Presidential Envoy for Veterans Affairs and National Security

Noem will resign to take position in President Donald Trump's administration

Pierre, S.D. -- South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has been rewarded for her loyalty to President Donald Trump with a position in the Cabinet as the Special Presidential Envoy for Veterans Affairs and National Security.

Noem, a Republican, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and his policies, and she was one of the first governors to endorse him in the 2016 presidential election. She also campaigned for him in the 2020 election.

In her new role, Noem will be responsible for coordinating the federal government's efforts to support veterans and national security. She will also be a member of the National Security Council.

Noem said she is honored to accept the position and is looking forward to serving the country.

"I am committed to working with the President and the entire Administration to ensure that our veterans and our national security are given the priority they deserve," she said.

Noem will resign as governor to take the position. She has not yet announced who will succeed her.

Noem's appointment has been praised by Trump and other Republicans.

"Governor Noem is a strong and effective leader who will be a valuable asset to my administration," Trump said in a statement.

Democrats have criticized Noem's appointment, saying she is unqualified for the position.

"Governor Noem has no experience in foreign policy or national security," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "This is just another example of President Trump rewarding his loyalists with plum positions, regardless of their qualifications."