America First Nomination: Governor Kristi Noem 

Biography

Kristi Noem, a rancher, farmer, small business owner, and New York Times bestselling author, has built a career defined by leadership and a commitment to protecting freedom. As South Dakota’s first female governor, she was re-elected in 2022 with the largest vote total in state history, championing limited government, fiscal responsibility, and state sovereignty. Noem set a national precedent by deploying National Guard troops to the southern border five times and leading South Dakota to become the first state legislature to support border defense through a formal resolution. She has been a leader in countering foreign threats, restricting business with adversarial nations, and prohibiting agricultural land ownership by hostile countries. Under her leadership, South Dakota became a national hub for cybersecurity, with the industry now the state’s fastest-growing sector. As the next Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem will bring her proven record of innovation, resilience, and security-focused governance to the national stage.

America First Credentials 

Supports 

Removing Criminal Illegal Aliens from Our Communities

Upholding our Nation’s immigration laws by conducting a mass deportation operation that prioritizes criminal illegal aliens and national security threats.

Securing Our Southern Border

Prioritizing the safety of the American people by ending mass illegal immigration that has overwhelmed our Nation with violence, crime, and disorder.

Stopping the Flow of Deadly Drugs

Working to stop the flow of deadly drugs, such as fentanyl, that have poured into our Nation, devastating American families and skyrocketing accidental overdoses and death rates.

Ending Human Trafficking and Defeating the Cartels

Targeting gangs and cartels that are waging war against our country, perpetrating violence, and facilitating human and sex trafficking.

Preventing the Spread of Chinese Communist Influence

Protecting American citizens from the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to increase their economic power and cultural influence in our Nation.

Opposes 

Sanctuary Cities

Rejecting the so-called “sanctuary” policies of some American cities to harbor violent criminals, drug dealers, and gang members.

Open Borders

• Fighting against the open borders agenda that facilitated the worst illegal immigration crisis in our Nation’s history.
• Encouraging more screening of refugees and asylum seekers, especially from areas with high levels of terrorist activity.

Mass Amnesty

• Opposing the movement to grant mass amnesty to lawbreakers further incentivizing criminal behavior and fundamentally reshaping the fabric of our nation.
• Voted “no” on a 2018 proposal that would have granted amnesty to as many as 1.8 million illegal aliens.
• Rejecting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to resettle illegal aliens within her state.

America First Achievements  

While serving as a Member of Congress and as the Governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem oversaw significant America First accomplishments in national security, disaster recovery, and border security, including: 

Strengthening Border Security

Deployed National Guard troops to the southern border five times in four years to protect American citizens from an unprecedented surge in illegal migration. Received a nearly perfect score from the Federation for American Immigration Reform for her votes on immigration-related bills while in Congress.

Protecting Americans from Adversarial Foreign Nations

Banned TikTok for state government employees and blocked state government employees from doing business with adversarial foreign governments.   

Promoting Effective Disaster Response

Worked with FEMA to protect farmers and other Americans from the devastating effects of natural disasters in her home state.

Streamlining Government and Cutting Red Tape

Signed a series of bills to streamline state government by reducing red tape, reducing government overreach, and simplifying regulations.