Kristi Noem is making headlines again, as Donald Trump announced her appointment as Homeland Security secretary in his next administration.
In a statement, Trump praised Noem for her strong stance on border security and expressed his longstanding relationship with her, stating, “I have known Kristi for years and have worked with her on various projects—she will be a great part of our mission to Make America Safe Again.”
Noem expressed her gratitude and humility in accepting the position, signaling her commitment to the role. She is set to work alongside notable figures in the anti-immigration arena, including former ICE chief Tom Homan and Stephen Miller, who has faced accusations of white supremacy.
This marks a significant comeback for Noem, particularly after she faced backlash earlier this year for discussing a controversial incident in her autobiography involving a dog she owned, which had impacted her political profile.
Moreover, she’s not alone in this troubling narrative, as other right-leaning personalities have recently drawn criticism for actions perceived as cruel towards animals.
In her memoir “No Going Back,” Noem also presents a range of peculiar claims, including a staunch opposition to seatbelt laws and a controversial reference to allowing motorcycle gangs to defy COVID-19 regulations in South Dakota.
Additionally, she made headlines for asserting that she met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a claim for which evidence remains elusive.
Despite the controversies, Noem’s hardline approach to immigration aligns well with Trump’s agenda. She has shown unwavering support for initiatives like the ‘Muslim ban’ and has attempted to prevent undocumented migrants from being housed in South Dakota.
However, her controversial statements about Mexican drug cartels and her current ban from entering tribal lands in her own state bring a layer of irony to her new role in deciding immigration policies.
