Trump confirms appointment of Noem to cabinet position thrusting Rhoden into spotlight

November 13, 2024

UNDATED–President-elect Trump made official the announcement that he’s chosen Governor Kristi Noem to be a member of his cabinet.

Trump released a statement Tuesday that reads:

“I am pleased to announce that the Governor and former Congresswoman from South Dakota, Kristi Noem, will be appointed to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Kristi has been very strong on Border Security. She was the first Governor to send National Guard Soldiers to help Texas fight the Biden Border Crisis, and they were sent a total of eight times. She will work closely with “Border Czar” Tom Homan to secure the Border, and will guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries. I have known Kristi for years, and have worked with her on a wide variety of projects – She will be a great part of our mission to Make America Safe Again.”

Noem said in a statement she is “honored and humbled” to be selected. “I look forward to working with Border Czar Tom Homan to make America SAFE again,” said Noem. “With Donald Trump, we will secure the Border, and restore safety to American communities so that families will again have the opportunity to pursue The American Dream.”

Tuesday’s news puts the focus on Republican Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden (pictured), a 65-year-old Meade County rancher and legislative veteran who would be thrust into the spotlight as the state’s 34th governor.

Republican legislator Lee Schoenbeck of Watertown says Rhoden has a “steady hand” to handle the role.

Noem, in her second term as governor, would become the first South Dakotan to serve as a president’s Cabinet secretary, extending an alliance with Trump that first developed during her time in Congress.