In a Senate confirmation hearing, Kristi Noem, the nominee for Department of Homeland Security Secretary, faced inquiries about her coordination with incoming "border czar" Tom Homan according to Fox News.
The confirmation session for Kristi Noem took place in Washington, D.C., this past Friday. As the governor of South Dakota, Noem is President-elect Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, led the questioning focused on the roles and responsibilities relating to border security. This area has been a focal point of Trump's administration.
Noem made it clear during the session that the President would have the ultimate authority over national security issues, including immigration and border control. She emphasized the alignment of DHS activities with the President's directives.
Noem described Homan's role as primarily advisory, providing support directly to the President on border issues. She reiterated her designated role as DHS Secretary, assuming her confirmation passes, where she would oversee the department's broad range of responsibilities.
There were specific tensions highlighted by Sen. Kim, stemming from Homan's previous remarks about his direct involvement in making decisions about border security and deportations. This, Kim implied, could blur the lines of accountability and operational clarity.
Kim's concerns were met with Noem's assurances that there would be no dilution of the DHS's authority under her leadership. She cited her strong working relationship with Homan, stating their frequent communication and collaborative planning.
In response to Kim's probing on the leadership structure, Noem confirmed, "Well, the president will be in charge of the border. It's a national security issue. The president is in charge of this country and has made a promise to the American people, and we will fulfill his agenda."
Noem’s description of Homan was notably positive, referring to him as "an incredible human being" who would serve as a key resource in a consultative capacity. This characterization aimed to reinforce the notion of a unified approach to managing the nation's border security.
As for the operational aspects, Noem underscored, "I obviously will be, if nominated and confirmed, and put into the position of being the Department of Homeland Security secretary and responsible for the authorities that we have in the actions we take."
Senator Kim emphasized the importance of clarity regarding Homan's role, stating, "I’m trying to get a better sense of who is in charge," highlighting oversight and accountability as essential elements that the Senate needed to maintain.
Kim further argued, "If he is going to be making decisions, then he should come before this committee as well," suggesting that Homan's influential position should also be subjected to Senate scrutiny to ensure proper checks and balances within the executive branch.
Noem concluded her statements by reinforcing her managerial compatibility with Homan: "We work very well together and talk and communicate all the time. And we'll be working together daily when we're in our positions under the new administration. I would say there's no authority being planned to be taken away from the department or myself if I'm in the role."