Senate Confirms Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary Amid Scrutiny Over Border Plans

Jan 17, 2025, 01:17 PM

Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota and President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at 9 am ET today for her confirmation hearing. The hearing drew significant public interest, with lines wrapping around the hallway, and was broadcast live on C-SPAN and other networks. Senators assessed her qualifications and vision for leading the Department, focusing on her plans for immigration policy, including deportation and bold border security measures. Noem, who mirrors Trump's hardline views on immigration, faced scrutiny over how she would implement these policies. Later in the day, the Senate confirmed Noem as the new Secretary of Homeland Security.