Kristi Noem Vows to Prioritize Border Security, Counterterrorism, and Cybersecurity as DHS Secretary Nominee
Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota and nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), outlined her priorities during her confirmation hearing, emphasizing a shift in focus towards border security, counterterrorism efforts, and bolstering cybersecurity infrastructure. Noem stressed the need to rebuild public trust in the DHS, particularly regarding its handling of the southern border, and pledged to address what she perceives as mission creep within the agency, specifically regarding its involvement in combating misinformation.
Noem’s primary concern centered on the ongoing border crisis. She criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, citing the reported influx of over 14 million illegal border crossers, including a significant number of "gotaways." She vowed to reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy and immediately discontinue the CBP One app, a program she argues has facilitated the issuance of work permits to a large number of migrants. While focusing on border enforcement, Noem also acknowledged the need for comprehensive immigration reform to create a more efficient and equitable legal immigration system.
Cybersecurity emerged as another key area of focus for Noem. She expressed concern over the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) involvement in combating misinformation, arguing that such activities deviate from the agency’s core mission of protecting critical infrastructure. Noem pledged to refocus CISA’s efforts on its primary mandate, streamlining its operations to enhance its effectiveness in addressing the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly those originating from China. She believes a more focused and agile CISA is crucial for bolstering national cybersecurity defenses.
Noem also addressed concerns regarding domestic terrorism and the importance of accurate information sharing. She committed to transparency and ensuring that facts are presented accurately, particularly in cases of domestic terrorism, to avoid premature or unfounded conclusions about the perpetrators’ origins or motivations. This commitment to transparency extends to her willingness to cooperate with lawmakers seeking information about past security breaches and potential threats, including investigations related to former President Trump.
Throughout her testimony, Noem emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in the DHS. She argued that the current administration’s policies have eroded public confidence and pledged to prioritize transparency and accountability in her leadership. This commitment to rebuilding trust, she believes, is essential for effectively addressing the complex challenges facing the nation’s security apparatus.
Noem’s confirmation hearing provided a glimpse into her intended approach to leading the DHS. Her emphasis on border security, a streamlined and focused cybersecurity strategy, and a commitment to transparency signal a potential shift in the agency’s priorities under her leadership. The Senate’s decision on her confirmation will significantly impact the future direction of the DHS and its role in addressing the nation’s security challenges. This includes how the agency balances its responsibilities in areas such as border enforcement, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and addressing evolving threats like misinformation and disinformation campaigns, while also respecting civil liberties.