Tue Nov 12 14:08:20 UTC 2024: ## Trump Picks Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary

**Washington, D.C. – November 12, 2024** – President-elect Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, according to sources familiar with the decision.

Noem, who was once considered a potential running mate for Trump, has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, winning re-election in 2022 by a landslide. She gained national attention for her stance against a statewide mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noem’s appointment comes after Trump named Tom Homan as his administration’s incoming border czar on Monday. Homan has pledged to prioritize deporting illegal immigrants deemed a threat to public safety and national security.

The Department of Homeland Security oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including border protection, immigration, disaster response, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Noem’s selection as Homeland Security Secretary has been met with mixed reactions. Some observers believe her experience in law enforcement and her strong conservative stances align with Trump’s agenda. However, others have pointed to her controversial past actions, including a memoir in which she described shooting and killing her family’s dog, as potential liabilities.

Trump’s campaign and Noem’s office have not yet commented on the appointment.

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