South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to run the Department of Homeland Security, as reported by media outlets including CNN. Noem, 52, is currently serving her second term as governor and has previous experience in the U.S. House of Representatives. She has a close relationship with Trump and has been a vocal supporter of his policies, particularly on border security.
However, Noem has faced criticism for revelations in her book, including a story about shooting a hunting dog and a goat in anger, as well as a retracted story about meeting North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Despite this, she has been rewarded for her loyalty to Trump with a key position in his administration.
If Noem’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation hearings, she may face tough questioning about the contents of her book. Additionally, speculation has begun about the 2026 governor race in South Dakota, with Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden expected to take over as governor if Noem is appointed to the Homeland Security post.
Potential candidates for the 2026 Republican gubernatorial nomination include U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and state Attorney General Marty Jackley. Both Rhoden and Johnson have not immediately responded to inquiries, while Jackley stated his focus on his current position. The possibility of Noem not finishing her term has led to further discussion about the upcoming election in South Dakota.
This news article is republished from the South Dakota Searchlight and is part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network.
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Photo credit kentuckylantern.com
