Additional Coverage:
Kristi Noem, the Republican Governor of South Dakota, is facing confirmation hearings for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security.
During the hearing, Noem stated that she believes the southern border is not currently secure but that it will be once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. She also pledged to shut down the CBP One app, which allows migrants to schedule appointments and make their case for asylum.
Noem gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for her decision not to shut down businesses and schools in South Dakota. She has also sent National Guardsmen to assist with border security.
If confirmed, Noem would oversee the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She has stated that border security will be a top priority for her.
Noem has faced some controversies, including a lawsuit over her endorsement of a dental practice and criticism for writing about killing her dog in her memoir. However, President-elect Trump has praised her, saying she is a “fighter.”