WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a move signaling a hardline approach to immigration and border security, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security, according to reports from CNN and other sources. This appointment comes as part of Trump's strategy to surround himself with loyalists who align with his vision for strict border control and immigration enforcement.

Kristi Noem, who previously served as a U.S. Representative before becoming South Dakota's first female governor, has been a vocal supporter of Trump throughout his campaign. Her tenure as governor was marked by her resistance to imposing statewide mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, a stance that elevated her status among conservative voters but also drew national criticism.

The selection of Noem for such a critical role comes after a tumultuous period for her politically, highlighted by her own admission in her book, "No Going Back," where she recounted shooting her family's dog, an incident that led to significant backlash. Despite this, Trump's decision to appoint her suggests a focus on loyalty and alignment with his policies over past controversies.

Noem's appointment will place her in charge of a sprawling department responsible for a vast array of duties, from border protection and immigration to disaster response and the security of the nation's leaders. She will join forces with Tom Homan, appointed as the administration's "border czar," and Stephen Miller, a known immigration hardliner, who is set to serve as the White House deputy chief of staff for policy.

The Department of Homeland Security, with its $60 billion budget, oversees critical agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Secret Service. Trump's re-election campaign promised a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, with commitments to mass deportations and border wall completion, making Noem's role pivotal in executing these policies.

Reactions to Noem's nomination have been varied. Critics point to her lack of extensive experience in national security, while supporters commend her for her conservative stance and potential to enact Trump's America First agenda. This appointment marks another chapter in Trump's administration-building, where ideological alignment and loyalty appear to be key criteria for selection.

The Senate will need to confirm Noem's appointment, where her past decisions and public statements on various issues might come under scrutiny. However, given the current political climate, her confirmation seems likely among Republican senators.

As the Trump administration gears up for a second term, the focus on immigration enforcement appears set to intensify, with Governor Noem at the helm of one of the government's most pivotal departments.