Who is Kristi Noem, the "border hawk" chosen by Trump to lead DHS?

On Tuesday, President-elect Trump revealed that he had appointed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security, which deals with border security, disaster relief, and cybersecurity.

Trump highlighted Noem's decision to deploy National Guard troops to the southern border in Texas, praising her as a strong leader on border security in his Tuesday evening announcement.

Trump stated that he will collaborate with Tom Homan, the "Border Czar," to safeguard the border and ensure the security of the American homeland from threats. He has known Kristi for many years and has worked with her on numerous projects. She will be a valuable asset to their mission to make America safer again.

Noem said she was "honored and humbled" by the selection.

"By securing the border and restoring safety to American communities, families will once again have the chance to pursue the American dream with Donald Trump," she stated.

Byron, a former member of Congress, was elected governor of the state in 2018 and won re-election in 2022. He has three children with his wife, Noem.

Noem's appointment as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security was unexpected to some political observers, but a source close to the appointment revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that Noem had set a precedent by sending National Guard troops to the border instead of generic assistance. Additionally, Noem brings experience in other areas of the agency's mission.

In 2022, Governor Noem banned TikTok from state-owned devices due to the company's ties to China. Meanwhile, Dakota State University has a top cyber unit in the country, and cybersecurity is the fastest growing industry in South Dakota. The governor's website states that the state has invested $90 million to expand cyber programs at DSU and allow high school students to take college-level classes. Last year, the sector added thousands of jobs and grew by 25%.

The state has extensive experience with FEMA due to its history of flooding, including the June record-breaking floods. However, FEMA's handling of hurricanes this year has sparked controversy, and the agency is likely to face intense scrutiny in the future.

Noem, as governor, has pledged not to accept migrants from terrorist hot spots and is in line with President-elect Trump on prioritizing national security and public safety threats for deportations.

In 2021, she posted on Facebook: "When you're an American, call me."

This year, Noem caused controversy when she disclosed in a memoir that she had killed a family dog, which she claimed was a threat to people.

Although her appointment was unexpected, she has gained support from significant individuals, including ex-DHS Secretary Chad Wolf.

"Gov. Noem is an excellent choice," he stated. "She has demonstrated success as a governor and has been proactive in supporting the Border security mission through her National Guard. Additionally, she has extensive experience collaborating with FEMA on natural disasters. I am confident she will excel."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has been actively involved in managing the crisis, praised the decision as "excellent."

"I have collaborated with Governor Noem to safeguard the Texas border," he stated.

"Biden's open border policies have caused carnage in America, but she has a no-nonsense, rule-of-law approach that will repair it."

This week, Trump appointed Tom Homan as his "border czar," following a series of hawkish appointments to his administration.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Stephen Miller, who played a key role in shaping immigration policies during Trump's first term, will now serve as the assistant to the president and the deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser.