Fox News host Laura Ingraham sparked a political stir with her sharp critique of South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds following his remarks suggesting potential resistance to President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Ingraham, known for her unwavering support of Trump’s policies, targeted Rounds on social media after a comment he made at the Halifax International Security Forum.
“Why does North Dakota have a senator who is already undermining President-elect Trump?” Ingraham posted on X (formerly Twitter), erroneously identifying Rounds as a senator from North Dakota. Her remarks were fueled by a Politico article quoting Rounds: “There are still three branches of the U.S. government, and the Senate will guard its independence.” Notably, Politico also misstated Rounds’ state of representation.
Kristi Noem: A Strong DHS Nominee Aligned with Trump’s Vision
Amid the controversy, Trump announced his nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The decision underscores Trump’s commitment to secure borders and a strong national security agenda.
Known for her decisive actions and vocal criticism of the Biden administration’s border policies, Noem has been a prominent advocate for border security. She described the current immigration crisis as an “invasion” and has consistently emphasized the importance of fortified physical barriers and thorough refugee screening.
In 2021, under her leadership, South Dakota became the first state to deploy National Guard troops to assist Texas at the U.S.-Mexico border. This initiative, a direct response to what she called the Biden administration’s failure to enforce immigration laws, has continued with eight subsequent deployments.
Noem highlighted her state’s proactive approach in an October post on X:
“South Dakota doesn’t complain about things—we fix them. We have another group of National Guard soldiers scheduled to deploy to the Southern Border later this fall. We will continue to mitigate the cartels’ influence here at home.”
A Proven Track Record of Supporting Border Security
Noem’s history of backing Trump’s immigration policies dates back to 2017, when she voiced strong support for a temporary halt on refugee acceptance from areas linked to terrorism. At the time, she stated:
“I share the President’s concerns about our ability to screen refugees—especially those from terrorist hotbed areas. I support putting a temporary pause on accepting refugees from these regions until we can certify they do not pose a safety threat to the U.S.”
Trump acknowledged Noem’s steadfast commitment to border security during the announcement of her nomination:
“She will work closely with Border Czar Tom Homan to secure the border and guarantee that our homeland is safe from adversaries. I’ve known Kristi for years and worked with her on numerous projects. She will be an invaluable part of our mission to make America safe again.”
Endorsements for Noem’s Nomination
Noem’s nomination has garnered widespread praise. Former Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf, once considered a leading contender for the position, lauded Trump’s pick.
“Gov. Noem is a fantastic choice,” Wolf stated. “She has been a successful governor and has actively supported the border security mission with her National Guard deployments. I’m confident she will excel in this role.”
Noem expressed gratitude and determination upon accepting the nomination:
“With Donald Trump, we will secure the border and restore safety to American communities so families can once again pursue the American dream.”
The Road to Confirmation
Noem now faces Senate confirmation hearings, which are expected to proceed swiftly. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), incoming chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has committed to ensuring an efficient process ahead of Trump’s January 20, 2025, inauguration. Newly elected Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) echoed this sentiment, congratulating Noem and pledging to expedite the advancement of Trump’s nominees.
As Noem prepares to take on the critical role of DHS Secretary, her proven record, strong alignment with Trump’s policies, and decisive leadership leave little doubt about her capability to tackle the challenges ahead. If confirmed, her leadership promises to mark a new chapter in securing America’s borders and ensuring national safety.