U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, according to sources. Noem, a prominent Republican figure, is in her second term as governor, having been re-elected in 2022 by a significant margin. She gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for opting not to impose a statewide mask mandate.

Noem’s political year has had its share of controversy. In April, she faced criticism after disclosing in her memoir that she had once shot an "untrainable" dog on her family farm, describing it as an animal she “hated.” This revelation reportedly led some of Trump’s advisers to question her as a potential vice-presidential candidate.

The Department of Homeland Security handles critical areas including border security, immigration, disaster response, and the U.S. Secret Service. Trump has also recently appointed Tom Homan as the administration's incoming “border czar,” with Homan pledging to focus on deporting undocumented immigrants who may threaten public safety and national security.

Reports indicate that Trump may also name U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as his choice for secretary of state.

Marco Rubio Set to Become First Latino U.S. Secretary of State Under Trump

Women Stockpile Abortion Pills Amid Fears of Policy Changes Under Trump

Trump Appoints Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio as Secretary of State