President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CNN reports.
Noem, a strong supporter of Trump, is set to take charge of the large $60 billion Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This agency handles a lot of crucial responsibilities, including securing the borders, enforcing immigration laws, and responding to disasters.
Her appointment comes alongside Trump’s decision to bring in two other prominent figures known for their hardline stances on immigration, Stephen Miller and Tom Homan, to senior positions in his administration.
Earlier this year, Kristi Noem was considered as a possible running mate for Trump. The 52-year-old, who is currently the 33rd governor of South Dakota, has consistently sent National Guard troops to the southern border, clearly supporting Trump’s strict immigration policies.
However, Noem’s appeal as a possible candidate fell through after she was involved in multiple controversies, including one stemming from a personal anecdote she shared in her memoir. In the book titled ‘No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,’ she revealed that she once euthanized her pet dog when it failed to meet her standards as a hunting dog. Her action led some critics to accuse her of being a “puppy killer.”
At the time, Noem defended herself by explaining that tough decisions like hers are sometimes part of life on farms and ranches. Still, the incident hasn’t yet cooled off, even as Trump continues to push his immigration agenda by selecting her to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Needless to say, the change in personnel will likely help the President-elect to deliver on his campaign promises to tackle illegal immigration during his second term. By choosing Kristi Noem, he’s ensuring that someone who shares his views will be in charge at DHS.
