Kristi Noem
- Known for
- South Dakota governor, Secretary of Homeland Security
- Born in
- Watertown, South Dakota
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts in political science, University of South Dakota
Kristi Noem is a staunch Republican politician defined by her deep conservative roots and her history as the first female Governor of South Dakota (2019–2025). Her worldview centers on limited government and individual liberty, often putting her at odds with federal mandates. Her career includes time in the U.S. House and a controversial tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security (2025–2026).
Signature Positions
Noem's political platform is built on a foundation of conservative principles:
- Abortion: Strongly anti-abortion, supporting a state-level ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.
- COVID-19 Response: Known for opposing statewide mask mandates and stay-at-home orders during the pandemic.
- Gun Rights: A vocal advocate for gun owners, signing a bill to abolish the concealed handgun permit requirement in South Dakota.
- Immigration: As DHS Secretary, she pursued aggressive enforcement, rescinding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of migrants.
- Climate Change: Explicitly denies the scientific consensus on climate change, favoring an "all-of-the-above" energy approach.
Notable Tensions
Noem's political career has been marked by notable conflicts and controversies:
- Native American Tribes: Faced bans from tribal lands after accusing tribal leaders of benefiting from drug cartels; later apologized for "misunderstanding."
- Government Transparency: Pledged transparency as Governor but faced lawsuits for denying access to public records, including those concerning her daughter's real estate appraisal license.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Vetoed a bill banning transgender athletes from women's sports, a move criticized by conservative commentators, before later signing a similar bill.
- DHS Tenure Controversies: Her time as DHS Secretary included criticism over the deportation of a Purple Heart recipient and allegations of using Coast Guard resources for deportation missions instead of search and rescue.
Noem gained national prominence through her staunch opposition to pandemic restrictions, mirroring the style of Donald Trump, who later nominated her for the DHS post. Her career trajectory is a case study in conservative political mobilization, though her memoir, "No Going Back," generated significant controversy, notably for recounting the killing of her dog, Cricket.
