According to sources, Trump is expected to announce soon that he has selected South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as his next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The role requires Senate confirmation.
Noem was shortlisted to become Trump’s running mate, but her chances diminished as she fended off controversy over stories in her book about killing her dog that she claimed was exhibiting aggressive behavior.
Former Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stands next to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem during a campaign event at the town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, October 14, 2024.
David Muse/Reuters
She also faced backlash after her spokesperson said a claim she made about the meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and an account of an interaction with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley were “mistakes.”
She is a loyal Trump ally who will work closely with Trump’s new border czar Tom Homan and new deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller. CNN was the first to report the news of Noem as secretary pick.
-Jonathan Karl of ABC News. Rachel Scott, Katherine Faulders and Luke Barr