Feb 25 2025 3 mins
Kristi Noem, the newly confirmed Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has been at the forefront of several significant developments in the last few days. On January 25, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted 59-34 to confirm Noem as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, marking a pivotal moment in her career and the Trump administration's national security agenda[2][3][5].
Noem, formerly the Governor of South Dakota and a U.S. House Representative, has pledged to prioritize border security and immigration enforcement, aligning closely with President Trump's policies. In her confirmation statement, she emphasized her commitment to securing the southern border, empowering law enforcement, and delivering disaster relief to Americans in crisis[2][3].
Recently, on February 21, 2025, Secretary Noem delivered a keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) dinner, where she highlighted the importance of border security, national resilience, and the administration's efforts to combat domestic and international threats. She also underscored the need for bipartisan cooperation to ensure national safety and prosperity, earning a standing ovation from the audience[1].
One of her most notable actions as the new Secretary of Homeland Security is the launch of a nationwide and international multimillion-dollar ad campaign. Announced on February 17, 2025, this campaign warns illegal aliens to leave the country or face deportation, with a stern message that criminal aliens will be hunted down and deported. The ads, which will run on various media platforms including radio, broadcast, and digital channels, are part of a broader strategy to deter illegal immigration and enforce border laws[4].
Noem's approach to immigration has been characterized by her support for Operation Lone Star, a initiative aimed at discouraging migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. During her tenure as Governor of South Dakota, she sent National Guard troops to Texas to assist in this effort, a decision that was criticized but reflected her alignment with Trump's hard-line stance on immigration[3].
As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem oversees critical agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Her role also involves securing airline transportation, protecting dignitaries, and responding to natural disasters. Given the Trump administration's plans to involve the military in immigration enforcement and reshape the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Noem is likely to be at the center of significant policy changes and implementations in the coming months[3].
Noem's confirmation and subsequent actions have garnered both support and criticism. While Republicans have expressed confidence in her ability to lead on border security and immigration enforcement, Democrats have been more divided, with some criticizing her approach as too stringent and others calling for more bipartisan solutions to the border crisis[3].
In summary, Kristi Noem's tenure as the Secretary of Homeland Security has begun with a strong emphasis on border security, immigration enforcement, and a commitment to President Trump's national security agenda. Her recent actions, including the ad campaign and her CPAC address, underscore her determination to implement these policies and ensure the safety and security of the United States.
Noem, formerly the Governor of South Dakota and a U.S. House Representative, has pledged to prioritize border security and immigration enforcement, aligning closely with President Trump's policies. In her confirmation statement, she emphasized her commitment to securing the southern border, empowering law enforcement, and delivering disaster relief to Americans in crisis[2][3].
Recently, on February 21, 2025, Secretary Noem delivered a keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) dinner, where she highlighted the importance of border security, national resilience, and the administration's efforts to combat domestic and international threats. She also underscored the need for bipartisan cooperation to ensure national safety and prosperity, earning a standing ovation from the audience[1].
One of her most notable actions as the new Secretary of Homeland Security is the launch of a nationwide and international multimillion-dollar ad campaign. Announced on February 17, 2025, this campaign warns illegal aliens to leave the country or face deportation, with a stern message that criminal aliens will be hunted down and deported. The ads, which will run on various media platforms including radio, broadcast, and digital channels, are part of a broader strategy to deter illegal immigration and enforce border laws[4].
Noem's approach to immigration has been characterized by her support for Operation Lone Star, a initiative aimed at discouraging migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. During her tenure as Governor of South Dakota, she sent National Guard troops to Texas to assist in this effort, a decision that was criticized but reflected her alignment with Trump's hard-line stance on immigration[3].
As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem oversees critical agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Her role also involves securing airline transportation, protecting dignitaries, and responding to natural disasters. Given the Trump administration's plans to involve the military in immigration enforcement and reshape the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Noem is likely to be at the center of significant policy changes and implementations in the coming months[3].
Noem's confirmation and subsequent actions have garnered both support and criticism. While Republicans have expressed confidence in her ability to lead on border security and immigration enforcement, Democrats have been more divided, with some criticizing her approach as too stringent and others calling for more bipartisan solutions to the border crisis[3].
In summary, Kristi Noem's tenure as the Secretary of Homeland Security has begun with a strong emphasis on border security, immigration enforcement, and a commitment to President Trump's national security agenda. Her recent actions, including the ad campaign and her CPAC address, underscore her determination to implement these policies and ensure the safety and security of the United States.