WASHINGTON − Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the Department of Homeland Security, confidently addressed Senators’ inquiries regarding her capability to manage an agency crucial for Trump’s pledge to carry out large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Trump is anticipated to officially nominate her to lead the extensive agency with a budget of $108 billion once he takes office on January 20.

Throughout the hearing, Noem, along with Republican senators on the Homeland Security and Government Operations Committee, concentrated on enhancing security at the southern border, which Noem referred to as “a war zone.” On the other hand, Democrat senators, such as Elissa Slotkin from Michigan, a former CIA officer, directed their questions toward issues of domestic and foreign terrorism.

Noem was the only Trump cabinet nominee to appear for a hearing on that day, as Senate committees have recently questioned nine other key appointments, including Pete Hegseth (Defense), Pam Bondi (Justice), Scott Bessent (Treasury), Marco Rubio (State), and John Ratcliffe (CIA). All are likely to be confirmed.

The Missing Topic: No Discussion of Dog Incident

Surprisingly, no senator took the opportunity to inquire about a controversial incident from Noem’s memoir, in which she recounted shooting a hunting dog she deemed untrainable, nor the erroneous claim in her book that she confronted North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un during her congressional tenure.

The hearing, largely focused on substantive issues, covered a range of topics including border security, cybersecurity, and reforming the Secret Service.

Hearing Concludes with Noem’s Commitment to Bipartisan Efforts at DHS

Kristi Noem’s Senate confirmation hearing for the Secretary position at the Department of Homeland Security concluded with her affirmations for bipartisan collaboration after around two and a half hours of mostly friendly questioning.

Senator Gary Peters, the leading Democrat on the committee, expressed his desire to move away from intense partisanship in homeland security matters.

“We must unite as a nation,” Peters remarked. “Let’s shift away from the toxic political atmosphere we currently face.”

Noem promised to collaborate with all legislators, stating, “I look forward to partnering with everyone: Republicans, Democrats, and all others dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of America for the future.”

− Bart Jansen

Noem Pledges to Tackle Drone Security Threats

Senator Gary Peters from Michigan questioned Noem about her plans to manage drone regulations following recent incidents, such as a delay caused by a drone during a National Football League playoff game.

“It is vital that we address this threat,” Peters noted regarding the risk of drones carrying explosives. “I want to prevent a tragic event from occurring.”

Noem asserted her commitment to work with lawmakers toward a lasting solution, especially since temporary restrictions are set to expire on March 14.

Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky suggested that restrictions should be data-driven, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between drones and planes from reported incidents. Paul also raised concerns about whether warrants would be necessary for retrieving data from cellphone towers, which could inadvertently capture information on individuals unrelated to drone activities.

“I don’t want law enforcement indiscriminately firing at the sky,” Paul said. “I believe there are proper ways to address these issues.”

− Bart Jansen

Noem States Mass Deportations Will Target Criminal Offenders

Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, inquired how Noem would safeguard agricultural operations as President-elect Trump plans to implement mass deportations for those without legal immigration status in the country.

Gallego expressed concerns from agricultural and dairy leaders in Arizona over how deportations could raise their operational costs, saying, “It could spark inflation.”

In response, Noem clarified that Trump’s priority will be to deport 425,000 immigrants with criminal convictions, followed by those with existing removal orders. “President Trump has clearly stated that his focus will be on deporting criminals and those who have caused violence in our communities,” Noem affirmed. “That is the priority.”

Noem also mentioned Trump’s plans to address those who have overstayed their legal visitation periods. “Disregarding federal laws comes with consequences,” she stated.

− Bart Jansen

Noem Clarifies Role of Trump’s Border Adviser

In a discussion about how she would collaborate with Tom Homan, Trump’s chosen border czar, Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey raised questions about mixed signals regarding border security.

DHS, overseen by a Senate-confirmed secretary, manages border safety through agencies such as Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Homan, previously the acting director of ICE, will serve as an advisor to Trump at the White House, which does not require Senate approval.

“It sends some mixed signals,” Kim noted.

Noem replied that she and Homan “work incredibly well together” and that their collaboration would occur daily. She assured that the responsibilities of DHS would remain intact. “The authorities will stay precisely as they are,” Noem explained.

− Bart Jansen

Noem Critiques FEMA’s Response to North Carolina Hurricane

Noem criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its inadequate response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa asked how Noem planned to ensure cybersecurity with federal employees working remotely.

Noem stated she heard that many staff members still did not report to work, even at FEMA, following the disaster. She referenced the hurricane and flooding to advocate for returning employees to the office, suggesting that the “catastrophic” outcomes in North Carolina were due to FEMA workers being absent. Noem emphasized the necessity for employees to fulfill their duties in person.

“FEMA failed them terribly,” she remarked. “If they aren’t fulfilling their responsibilities during major disasters, what other daily tasks are being overlooked when working from home?”

− Bart Jansen

A South Dakota Tribe Lifts Ban on Kristi Noem

Last year, Noem was declared persona non grata in the tribal lands of South Dakota after she accused tribal leaders of allowing drug cartels to operate freely in their reservations.

Recently, however, the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader, part of the YSL News Network, reported that the president of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Anthony Reider, stated that the tribe’s executive committee voted to lift the ban against Noem.

“One mandate of the banishment resolution required you to apologize for the remarks made regarding tribal members and issues in their education, which some found offensive,” Reider wrote to Noem.

“In various meetings preceding and following the resolution, you not only clarified your stance but also expressed regret if your remarks offended the Tribe,” he noted. “You also sought guidance on how to communicate this appropriately.”

−Dominik Dausch

Noem promises to disclose information regarding Trump’s assassination attempts

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, inquired if Noem would provide details about the Secret Service’s shortcomings in the two assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump, should she be confirmed as head of the Department of Homeland Security.

Hawley mentioned that the agency had declined to supply documents or make employees available for discussions.

“We faced obstacles at every turn with the current leadership of the Secret Service,” Hawley stated. “It’s astonishing.”

Noem responded that she would work with legislators to provide information that could help prevent future incidents.

“I will collaborate with you to ensure you receive the facts regarding what occurred and the failures that need to be addressed,” Noem remarked.

−Bart Jansen

Noem advocates for advanced technology along the southern border

Senator Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, questioned Noem about the technological measures she supported for monitoring southbound traffic to confiscate firearms and cash that contribute to trafficking and violence at the border.

Noem, nominated by Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, emphasized the necessity of constructing additional walls along the southern border and implementing advanced technology at legal entry points to facilitate the efficient movement of individuals crossing north and south. She endorsed the use of scanners, surveillance systems, and satellites in areas with challenging transportation conditions.

“You need resources to achieve success,” Noem asserted. She supported technology that enables tracking of what moves southward, which could exacerbate violence returning north and ensure measures are taken to intercept supplies meant for cartels and criminals.

−Bart Jansen

Noem claims cyber agency strayed from its mission by engaging in disinformation efforts

In response to the Treasury Department’s revelation of a breach by Chinese hackers, Kristi Noem, Trump’s candidate for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the agency needs to concentrate on safeguarding against cyber threats.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) falls under the purview of this department.

“The agency’s purpose is to identify and strengthen defenses,” Noem explained. “It’s about addressing malicious entities and collaborating with local and state critical infrastructure to bolster their readiness against cyber threats and reinforce their systems.”

However, she voiced her concern that CISA has drifted away from its primary objectives.

“The engagement in disinformation issues should be redirected back to their core responsibilities,” Noem remarked.

−Bart Jansen

Noem: Secret Service requires significant reform

Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota stated that the Secret Service needs reform after its failures in managing two assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump.

Leaders within the Secret Service have admitted to lapses that allowed Trump to be injured by a gunshot at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and to have an armed assailant waiting at his golf course in Florida. The agency has initiated various measures to enhance training and operational protocols.

“As secretary, I will supervise the Secret Service, which is in dire need of reform,” Noem asserted. “We all witnessed the dangers faced by President-elect Trump last year – and the ramifications of these failures. We cannot allow this to happen again.”

−Bart Jansen

Noem discusses the issue of homegrown terrorism

Senator Peters raised concerns with Noem regarding the threat posed by homegrown militants who have been “radicalized within the U.S.” with the intent to instill fear in local communities. Noem concurred that “homegrown terrorism is increasing,” while emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding Americans’ civil liberties.

However, she redirected the focus to border security, noting that in the past years, 382 “known terrorists” had crossed into the U.S. from Mexico. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 382 individuals whose names are on a terrorist watch list were apprehended attempting to enter the U.S. from 2021 to 2024, an increase from 11 between 2017 and 2020.

Noem highlights her experience with FEMA from disasters in South Dakota

In her opening remarks, Noem stated that she had collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on 12 natural disasters in her state, equipping her with the necessary experience to lead the Department of Homeland Security in responding to “floods, tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires, a derecho, and even a global pandemic.”

“As Secretary, I will bolster our emergency preparedness and enhance FEMA’s capabilities,” Noem assured. “We will guarantee that no community is overlooked and that essential services such as electricity and water are restored promptly.”

−Bart Jansen

Noem prioritizes border security

Noem stated that ensuring the nation’s borders are secured against illegal trafficking and immigration will be a primary focus.

“Border security must be a top priority,” Noem declared. “As a nation, it is both our right and responsibility to safeguard our borders against threats.”

She added that the country “must establish a fair and lawful immigration system that operates efficiently and effectively.”

−Bart Jansen

Thune commends Noem’s ‘unwavering resolve’ in leading DHS

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, introduced Noem, his fellow state governor, highlighting her “unwavering resolve” as a necessary quality to head the Department of Homeland Security and reinforce security at the southern border.

Thune asserted that Noem’s “tenacity and vigor” would empower her to tackle the “disorder at the southern border” and combat drug trafficking.

“I believe she brings crucial qualities to this role,” Thune commented.

The Dakotas have notable representation in Washington this year. Along with Thune’s leadership in the Senate and Noem’s anticipated confirmation at Homeland Security, President-elect Donald Trump has selected former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to manage the Interior Department.

−Bart Jansen

Peters: DHS needs ‘strong, stable, and principled leadership’

Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan and the leading Democrat on the committee, indicated that Noem would need “strong, stable, and principled leadership” to manage the vast Department of Homeland Security, which employs 240,000 individuals and operates on an annual budget exceeding $100 billion.

He encouraged her to pay attention to the northern border alongside the southern border while working to simplify the immigration process and asylum procedures.

Peters stressed the importance of protecting the nation from threats similar to those seen recently in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year’s Day, along with cyber attacks from China and other foreign threats.

−Bart Jansen

Noem’s hearing begins with critiques of Biden’s DHS

Committee Chairman Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, commenced Kristi Noem’s hearing by outlining numerous grievances regarding the department she is set to lead, claiming that DHS has lost focus on its fundamental duty of safeguarding the U.S. while infringing on the constitutional rights of citizens and regulating their speech.

House Republicans voted to impeach the outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, last February, but the Senate, at the time controlled by the Democrats, dismissed both impeachment charges.

Immigration, fentanyl, and questions related to her hunting dog are on Kristi Noem’s agenda

Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem might avoid discussing her deceased hunting dog, Cricket, during her confirmation hearing on Wednesday. However, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the Department of Homeland Security is expected to encounter challenging inquiries regarding her plans for managing one of the country’s largest and most crucial federal agencies.

If the Senate confirms her, Noem will be pivotal in Trump’s initiatives to fulfill his campaign promises aimed at closing the borders, stopping unlawful crossings from Mexico and Canada, and curbing the influx of dangerous fentanyl into the United States.

As the head of DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Noem has a vital role in executing Trump’s highly publicized objectives to deport potentially millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Noem attracted attention last year after revealing in her 2024 memoir “No Going Back” that she had to shoot her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer due to its “untrainable” behavior, attacks on livestock, and attempts to bite her. This incident may have impacted her chances for the vice presidency.

−Josh Meyer

Who is Kristi Noem?

Before her government career, Noem helped on her family’s farm in rural South Dakota. She spent four years in the state legislature before being elected to Congress in 2010 during the midterm elections under then-President Barack Obama, amidst the Tea Party movement’s rise.

Noem won the governor’s election in 2018 on a platform advocating for limited government. She is a strong proponent of border security and has dispatched three groups from the South Dakota National Guard to assist on the Texas-Mexico border as part of Operation Lone Star.

−Erin Mansfield

What is the Department of Homeland Security?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees 22 departments and employs around 260,000 individuals. Its various departments manage border security, immigration detention, citizenship processing, airport safety, and disaster response, among other responsibilities.

The current secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, appointed by President Joe Biden, has faced significant Republican criticism regarding the administration’s management of unlawful entries at the U.S.-Mexico border.

−Erin Mansfield

Will Kristi Noem be confirmed?

Although some of Trump’s nominees have encountered issues or chosen not to proceed with confirmation, Noem has been positively received.

Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky and chairman of the committee responsible for her hearing, commented in December, “My first order of business will be getting her confirmed, and I plan on trying to do that either on the day of the inauguration or that same week.”

−Erin Mansfield

What time is Kristi Noem’s confirmation hearing?

The confirmation hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. It will take place in room SD-342 of the Senate Dirksen Building in Washington, D.C. YSL News will provide a livestream link here once it becomes available.

−Erin Mansfield