President-elect Donald Trump has nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Trump highlighted Noem’s strong stance on border security, noting she was the first governor to send National Guard troops to assist Texas in addressing the border crisis.

Noem, who is serving her second term as governor, gained national recognition for her refusal to impose a statewide mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters has reported.

Despite her lack of experience in national security, she is a trusted ally of Trump and a prominent figure within the Republican Party.

Written by B.C. Begley