The United States Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security on Saturday. Noem, the governor of South Dakota, takes the helm of an extensive agency vital to national security and Donald Trump's plans to combat illegal immigration.
Republicans held the Senate session even though it was Saturday to install the final member of Trump's national security team. Already confirmed secretaries include: Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, and John Ratcliffe as CIA director. The vote for Scott Bessent as Secretary of the Treasury is scheduled for next Monday.
Noem, an ally of Trump, also received support from Democrats on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Republicans expressed confidence in her leadership on border security and immigration law enforcement.
During the hearing, Noem avoided committing to challenge Trump if he instructs measures she disagrees with. She indicated she will manage the programs according to the law and without political bias.
Kristi Noem replaces Alejandro Mayorkas at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security. The priority is immigration policy and securing the southern border. Noem takes office with the intention of fulfilling Trump's promise to deport millions of undocumented migrants. Among the functions of the DHS are public safety, border security, immigration, counterterrorism, and disaster management.
Along with Noem, Marco Rubio, John Ratcliffe, and Pete Hegseth have already been confirmed in other key government positions. Some Democrats have expressed divisions regarding Noem's appointment, while others have voiced their opposition, such as in the case of Chuck Schumer.
