President-elect Donald Trump is wasting no time getting his new administration prepared and on Tuesday we learned that he is to appoint South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as his pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security. The choice of Noem, an experienced politician with a reputation for her unyielding stance on conservative principles – so fitting with Trump’s statements in the campaign – brings a new face and approach to one of the most scrutinised agencies in the federal government.

So, who is Kristi Noem, and what does she bring to the role? Let’s take a deeper look, including the story of Cricket.

Noem: experienced and conservative

Noem has been a fixture in American politics since her election to the US House of Representatives in 2011, where she represented South Dakota until 2019. Known for her steadfast adherence to conservative values, she gained recognition early on for her opposition to the Affordable Care Act and her vocal advocacy for limited government. After her tenure in Congress, Noem ran for and won the governorship of South Dakota in 2018, becoming the first woman to hold that office in the state.

Noem’s tenure as governor brought her national attention, particularly during the covid-19 pandemic. Unlike most governors, Noem resisted widespread lockdowns and mask mandates, framing her policies as a commitment to personal freedom over government intervention. This approach made her a prominent figure among conservatives and a lightning rod for criticism from other quarters, showing a willingness to hold firm on her principles—even when they proved controversial. Now in government, will she be happy with states that hold firm against her?

Why has Trump picked Noem for Homeland Security?

Appointing Noem to lead Homeland Security signals Trump’s focus on strengthening border security and immigration enforcement, areas where Noem’s positions align closely with his administration’s priorities. While it has a vast portfolio, covering everything from immigration to counterterrorism and cybersecurity, many feel it requires a leader comfortable with high-profile, often polarising, issues. Noem’s track record suggests she’s unafraid of such scrutiny.

Like the newly appointed ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan, Noem has been a vocal supporter of strict immigration policies, advocating for stronger borders and opposing sanctuary cities. These stances align well with Trump’s “America First” philosophy, suggesting that her appointment may steer DHS toward a more hardline stance in these areas.

What happened to Noem’s dog Cricket?

As some may remember, especially animal lovers out there, in the Governor’s memoir, we had revelations about a dog named Cricket.

In her book, she recounts the story of a young hunting dog who, after displaying minor misbehaviour, was taken to a gravel pit and shot. Noem describes the incident without remorse, positioning her actions as a sign of rural toughness. She admitted to disliking the dog and took the same opportunity to shoot a goat she had also disliked, only to leave it suffering until she could reload her gun.

This struck a nerve across political and social divides, resonating especially with those who see pets as family members needing guidance and patience. Noem’s actions, presented unapologetically, were perceived as a betrayal of this bond and brought broader ethical and political implications to the forefront, spotlighting a need for compassion in leadership. For many, Noem’s approach to animals symbolised a lack of empathy, both personally and politically.

Will Noem’s political style fit DHS’ needs?

Noem’s appointment may raise questions about her approach to DHS’s complex security responsibilities, given her background as a governor rather than a national security expert. Critics argue that DHS needs a secretary with deep experience in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and emergency management, while her supporters point to her assertiveness as a sign she won’t back down from tough decisions.

Whether her experience as a state governor will translate to the federal level remains to be seen, but Trump’s decision suggests he values her willingness to push boundaries and take firm stances.