South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, previously a strong contender for Trump’s vice-presidential pick, has now been selected as the next Secretary of Homeland Security, marking her as the second woman nominated for Trump’s incoming administration.
According to CNN, President-elect Donald Trump chose Noem as part of his “America First” policy team to oversee national security.
In his recent round of nominations, Trump has chosen figures aligned with his border, trade, and economic policies.
Among them is Beijing-sanctioned Senator Marco Rubio, expected to serve as Secretary of State, and Congressman Mike Waltz, likely to be National Security Advisor.
However, with many of these nominees currently in the House, their selection could affect the narrow Republican majority early in Trump’s term.
Kristi Noem Family and Background
Kristi Lynn Noem (pronounced NOHM; née Arnold), born on November 30, 1971, is an American politician who has served as South Dakota’s 33rd governor since 2019.
A Republican, she previously represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2019, and before that, served in South Dakota’s House of Representatives for District 6 from 2007 to 2011.
Elected in 2018, Noem became the first woman to govern South Dakota, with endorsement from then-President Donald Trump.
She gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for not enforcing a statewide mask mandate.
Noem, who lives in rural South Dakota, is also a farmer and rancher.
She released her first autobiography, Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland, in 2022, and her second book, No Going Back (2024), stirred controversy regarding a story involving the death of a family dog.
Born to Ron and Corinne Arnold in Watertown, South Dakota, Noem grew up on a family ranch in Hamlin County.
She graduated from Hamlin High School in 1990 and was named South Dakota Snow Queen.
After her father’s tragic death in a farm accident in 1994, Noem left Northern State University to manage the family farm, later adding a hunting lodge and restaurant.
She eventually completed her political science degree from South Dakota State University in 2012, earning the nickname “Capitol Hill’s most powerful intern” from The Washington Post for finishing college while serving in Congress.
