Kristi Noem confirmed at Homeland Security when Trump started the border crackdown
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The US Senate has voted to install Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security as Donald Trump moves quickly to make good on his promises on illegal immigration.
The Senate Chamber voted 59-34 to confirm the Governor of South Dakota to lead the Department of Homeland Security, with a mandate to resolve the US border crisis.
In his first week back in the White House, the President signed a series of executive orders declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border and ending the US refugee resettlement program.
He also restricted birthright citizenship, but the measure was halted by a federal court that deemed it unconstitutional. Trump has vowed to appeal against the order.
Border security must remain a top priority, Noem said last week during her confirmation hearing. As a nation, we have the right and responsibility to secure our borders against those who would do us harm.
NOEM’s confirmation comes after the Senate approved Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Pete Hegseth As Secretary of Defense, one of the president’s most controversial choices.
As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem will also oversee the Secret Service, which came under scrutiny after two assassination attempts against Trump last year, one of which injured his ear.
During her confirmation hearing, Noem said the Secret Service is in need of serious reform.
“We all see threats to [president] Trump last year – and the consequences of failure, she added.
Noem’s autobiography, which recounts how she shot her puppy for misbehavior, became a national talking point last year.