President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as his Homeland Security Secretary, indicating a focus on immigration crackdown. Noem, known for rejecting mask mandates and social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic, faced controversy over a memoir excerpt where she revealed shooting and killing her family dog. Despite some unflattering stories, Noem remained a loyalist to Trump, endorsing him in 2023 and taking anti-immigration stances as governor. She established a political action committee and aligned herself closely with Trump during the 2024 election cycle. Noem has also faced ethics complaints and criticism from indigenous tribes for her statements. However, she has maintained a strong alliance with Trump, participating in strategy briefings and town hall events during his campaign. Noem has emphasized Trump’s focus on making communities safer, especially from dangerous individuals. If confirmed by the Senate, she would lead the Department of Homeland Security, while Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden would take over the governor’s office in South Dakota. Noem’s background includes being a former state legislator and congresswoman, as well as a focus on agriculture in her early career. Her ties to Trump and her stance on immigration suggest that she would align with the administration’s priorities once in office.
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Who is Kristi Noem, the nominee for homeland security secretary chosen by Trump?
