Who is Kristi Noem? Key facts about the new Secretary of Homeland Security
The former farmer and small-business owner made headlines as a potential vice presidential candidate for Trump and the controversy surrounding her dog.
On Saturday, lawmakers announced that Kristi Noem, who has served two terms as governor of South Dakota, will take on the role of Secretary of Homeland Security for the United States.
At 53, Noem received the necessary votes from senators for her confirmation, passing with a score of 59-34, as reported in a release by the Department of Homeland Security. She becomes the third nominee from President Donald Trump to be ratified.
Her confirmation closely follows Trump’s second inauguration, just days after her committee hearing earlier this month.
Before this new appointment, Noem was the first female governor of South Dakota, serving as its 33rd governor.
A rancher and small-business owner prior to her governorship, Noem had been involved in the state legislature for many years. Later, she was elected to represent South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Here are some key points about Noem:
Where was Kristi Noem born?
Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem was born in 1971 in Watertown, a city located in east-central South Dakota.
Watertown is approximately 187 miles northeast of the state capital, Pierre.
Who is Kristi Noem married to?
Noem is married to Bryon Noem.
The couple tied the knot in 1992 and they have three children together: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker.
As reported by the Argus Leader, a part of the YSL News Network, Bryon Noem is the owner and sole shareholder of Noem Insurance LLC, an insurance company.
What did Noem say following her confirmation?
Trump nominated Noem, a supporter of his, for the critical role in combating illegal immigration on November 12.
After her confirmation, Noem expressed her gratitude to the president on X, stating her commitment to enhancing safety in America.
“I will work to make America safe again,” Noem shared on the platform.
She also issued a statement, declaring:
“As Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, my daily mission is to ensure the safety and security of all Americans. A key focus of mine will be addressing President Trump’s directive from the American people to secure our southern border and reform our immigration system.
“The Trump Administration will empower our dedicated law enforcement to perform their duties by removing criminal aliens and illegal gangs. We will strengthen our intelligence and law enforcement efforts to preempt potential terror threats, and provide swift assistance and disaster relief to those in crisis.
“I am grateful to President Trump and the US Senate for their confidence in me. Together, we will restore the United States as a symbol of freedom, safety, and security for future generations.”
On Saturday, various Republican leaders from South Dakota congratulated Noem on her new position via X.
Who is the current governor of South Dakota?
Larry Rhoden, who served as Noem’s lieutenant governor, has officially taken over the role of South Dakota’s governor.
On Saturday, he received formal notice of Noem’s resignation from the governorship, according to the Argus Leader.
When did Kristi Noem start her political career?
Noem’s political journey began when she was elected to the state House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011.
She then represented South Dakota in Congress, covering the at-large district until 2019, when she became the first female governor of South Dakota. In 2022, she was re-elected with the largest number of votes in the state’s history, as per her official website.
Outside of her political role, Noem is a rancher, farmer, and small business owner. She is also a bestselling author, with works such as “Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland,” released in January 2022.
In May of last year, she published her latest book, “No Going Back,” which discusses her personal and professional experiences, including the notable controversy over her dog.
Why did Kristi Noem put down her dog Cricket?
In “No Going Back,” Noem explains that she euthanized her dog due to its “aggressive nature,” describing the animal as “untrainable,” according to The Guardian.
Her dog, Cricket, was a 14-month-old wirehair pointer.
Noem addressed the backlash on X, asserting her decision was necessary, stating that “Cricket had displayed aggressive behavior towards people, including biting.” She referenced South Dakota’s law allowing owners to euthanize dogs that attack livestock.
“Whether I’m managing the ranch or involved in politics, I don’t delegate my responsibilities to others. Even when it’s difficult. I was obeying the law and acting as a responsible owner, parent, and neighbor,” she explained in an April 28 post. “As I mentioned in my book, this was not an easy choice. However, sometimes the correct decision is not the easy one.”
What false story appeared in her book?
Cricket’s death wasn’t the only point of contention from her book. It included a claim that she had met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un during her congressional term. This was later found to be inaccurate, apparently as a means to bolster her foreign policy credibility.
“I clearly remember meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un,” she wrote in her book. “I’m certain he underestimated me, being unaware of my experience dealing with such tyrants (I had been a children’s pastor, after all).”
A spokesperson for Noem later acknowledged to Politico and other news outlets that this account was incorrect and the passage was omitted from the book.
What other controversies has Kristi Noem faced?
In addition to the book’s controversies, Noem has faced criticism for her decision to send the state National Guard to the southern border last year to address illegal immigration, while opposing the deployment of troops to assist areas affected by severe floods.
Last summer, all nine Native American tribes in South Dakota publicly denounced Noem after she made negative remarks regarding Native American families, suggesting that their children “have no hope,” according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, part of the YSL News Network. Tribal leaders were also upset by Noem’s persistence in claiming that Mexican drug cartels have a presence on South Dakota Indian reservations, as reported by the Argus Leader.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter. Follow her on X @nataliealund.
