Senate heads toward confirming Kristi Noem as Trump’s homeland security secretary

SUMMARY

The Senate is nearing a vote on Kristi Noem's confirmation as Homeland Security Secretary, a key position in President Trump’s administration. Noem, South Dakota’s governor and a Trump ally, is expected to be confirmed with Republican support, following a bipartisan 13-2 vote by the Senate Homeland Security Committee. “Fixing this crisis and restoring respect for the rule of law is one of President Trump and Republicans’ top priorities,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, emphasizing Noem’s readiness to lead on immigration and border security. Noem will oversee agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and FEMA, as Trump plans sweeping reforms, including military involvement in immigration enforcement. While criticized for some past actions, such as accepting private funding for National Guard deployments, Noem pledged to follow the law impartially, saying, “I will deliver programs with no political bias.”