Trump Nominee Kristi Noem Pledges to Prioritize Border Security at Homeland Security Confirmation Hearing

Jan 17, 2025, 02:36 PM

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Friday, January 17, for her confirmation hearing as President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The hearing, which drew significant public interest with lines wrapping around the hallway, provided Noem an opportunity to outline her vision for the agency, which, with its 260,000 employees, is the third-largest in the federal government. In her opening statement titled "Safer, Stronger, and Freer," Noem emphasized that "border security must remain a top priority." She pledged to ensure that the United States remains "a nation with borders, or we're no nation at all," signaling her commitment to strengthening border enforcement and addressing illegal immigration. Noem also stated, "My goal and my mission is to build trust," highlighting her intent to rebuild confidence in DHS. Senators questioned Noem on various topics, including her plans to prioritize the detention and deportation of criminal illegal immigrants. She affirmed that under the Trump administration, these individuals would be "the number one priority" for deportation. Senator Kevin Cramer introduced Noem, reading a letter of support from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The session also touched on other DHS responsibilities, such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and the agency's coordination with other federal departments. Noem's nomination comes as DHS prepares to implement President-elect Trump's immigration and border security agenda. If confirmed, she would oversee an agency of more than 260,000 employees, tasked with a broad mandate to protect the nation's security.