South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, chosen by President-elect Donald Trump as his nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, is scheduled to have her Senate confirmation hearing this Friday.

Trump announced Noem as his candidate on November 12, a crucial appointment in his initiative to tighten immigration enforcement in the U.S. Her original hearing date was set for Wednesday, but it was postponed to Friday morning.

The farmer and entrepreneur turned politician was previously a contender for Trump’s vice presidential choice before he ultimately selected now-Vice President-elect JD Vance for the Republican ticket.

“Kristi has been very strong on Border Security,” Trump stated. “She will collaborate closely with ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan to secure the Border and ensure the safety of our American Homeland against threats.”

Outside of South Dakota, Noem is often recognized for her controversies, including her account of having to put down an “untrainable” dog in her 2024 memoir. After President Joe Biden’s victory in 2020, Noem announced her opposition to a COVID-19 lockdown and has changed her position on banning transgender girls and women from competing in female sports across South Dakota.

Here’s more to know about Kristi Noem as she approaches her Senate confirmation hearing.

When did Kristi Noem start her political career?

Noem, 53, kicked off her political journey in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011.

She then served in Congress, representing the state’s at-large district until 2019, when she made history as South Dakota’s first female governor. She was re-elected in 2022, achieving the largest vote total in the state’s history, as reported by the governor’s office.

In addition to her political career, Noem is described as a rancher, farmer, and small-business owner on her official website. She is also a New York Times bestselling author, having released multiple books, including her debut “Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland,” published in January 2022.

Her most recent book, “No Going Back,” published last May, includes several accounts about her personal and professional life, including the well-known dog controversy.

Why did Kristi Noem decide to euthanize her dog Cricket?

In her book “No Going Back,” Noem explained that she decided to put her dog down due to its “aggressive personality” and labeled it as “untrainable,” as reported by The Guardian.

She described the dog, Cricket, as a 14-month-old wirehair pointer.

Noem responded to criticism on social media, asserting that the decision was necessary, stating, “Cricket had shown aggressive behavior toward people by biting them, I decided what I did.” She referenced South Dakota laws that permit owners to euthanize dogs that attack and kill livestock.

“Whether on the ranch or in politics, I have always taken responsibility myself. Even when it’s tough and painful. I acted according to the law while being a responsible pet owner and neighbor,” she articulated in her April 28 post. “As I mentioned in the book, it wasn’t easy. But often the straightforward choice isn’t the right one.”

What is the inaccurate story from her book?

Cricket’s euthanasia was not the only point of contention from her book. Another anecdote described a meeting with the elusive North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un during her congressional tenure, which was later found to be false and seen as an attempt to enhance her foreign policy credentials.

“I remember when I met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un,” she wrote in her memoir. “I’m sure he underestimated me, unaware of my experience dealing with tyrants (since I was a children’s pastor, after all).”

However, Noem’s spokesperson later confirmed to Politico and other media outlets that the story was indeed inaccurate and it was subsequently removed from the book.

What are some of the other controversies involving Kristi Noem?

Aside from the book issues, Noem has faced criticism for deploying the state National Guard to the southern border last year in response to illegal immigration, while being against sending troops to assist regions impacted by severe flooding.

Last summer, all nine Native American tribes in South Dakota officially condemned Noem, following her disparaging remarks about Native American parents, suggesting their children “have no hope,” as reported by the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, part of the YSL News Network. Tribal leaders also expressed their frustration regarding Noem’s ongoing claims that Mexican drug cartels have a “presence” on South Dakota Indian reservations, according to the Argus Leader.

Watch Kristi Noem’s confirmation hearing

The hearing is anticipated to start at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 17.

Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Josh Meyer, Julia Gomez .