Senate confirms Kristi Noem as Trump’s Department of Homeland Security secretary
SUMMARY
The Senate confirmed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with a 59–34 vote, including seven Democrats in favor. Noem, the fourth Trump nominee confirmed, follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Her confirmation faced minimal opposition, advancing out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee by 13–2. Noem takes charge during a period of heightened focus on border security and illegal immigration, priorities of President Trump’s administration. The DHS has already deployed military forces, restarted wall construction, and expanded deportation efforts, including reviews of parole policies under Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman. During her hearing, Noem emphasized border security, cybersecurity, disaster relief, and counterterrorism. As South Dakota governor, she refused Biden-era migrant relocations and deployed the National Guard to Texas.
