Trump will nominate South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for homeland security secretary from

Trump to Nominate South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for Homeland Security Secretary

Noem Would Bring Conservative Credentials, Law Enforcement Experience to Top Homeland Security Post

President Donald Trump plans to nominate South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, according to two people familiar with the matter. The move would place a staunch conservative with law enforcement experience at the helm of an agency responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and other threats. Noem, 48, has been a vocal supporter of Trump's policies and has close ties to his administration. She was an early endorser of his 2016 presidential campaign and has since met with him on several occasions. If confirmed by the Senate, Noem would replace acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, who has been in the role since November 2019. Wolf has been criticized by Democrats for his close ties to the Trump administration and for his handling of the department's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Noem's nomination is likely to face scrutiny from Democrats, who have expressed concerns about her lack of experience in national security. However, she is likely to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.

Noem's Background and Qualifications

Noem was born in Watertown, South Dakota, and grew up on a farm. She attended Northern State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science. After graduating from college, Noem worked as a rancher and a real estate agent. Noem entered politics in 2006, when she was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives. She served in the House for eight years, and in 2010, she was elected to the South Dakota Senate. In 2018, Noem was elected governor of South Dakota. She is the first woman to hold the position. As governor, Noem has focused on conservative priorities, such as tax cuts and gun rights. She has also been a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act. Noem is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has signed several bills into law that expand gun rights in South Dakota. She is also a pro-life advocate and has signed a bill into law that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Noem has close ties to the Trump administration. She was an early endorser of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and has since met with him on several occasions. Noem is also a member of Trump's advisory council on infrastructure.

Noem's Views on Homeland Security

Noem has not spoken extensively about her views on homeland security. However, she has said that she believes the department should focus on protecting the United States from terrorism and other threats. She has also said that she supports the Trump administration's efforts to build a wall on the border with Mexico. Noem's nomination is likely to face scrutiny from Democrats, who have expressed concerns about her lack of experience in national security. However, she is likely to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.