Kristi Noem, President-elect Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Homeland Security, was asked Friday how she would work with Tom Homan, the “border czar” in charge of securing the U.S. border.
Sen. Andy Kim (D.N.J.) asked Noem during her Senate confirmation hearing, “Who’s in charge of the border?” and how her role relates to Homan’s. He said it was unclear whether he was doing so.
“Well, the president is going to be in charge of the border. This is a national security issue. And the president is in charge of this country and has made a promise to the American people. And we’re in charge of his border. Deliver on your agenda,” Noem responded.
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South Dakota Governor and Homeland Security Secretary nominee Kristi Noem during her Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing on Friday, January 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty)
Kim said, “That’s a good answer,” but asked what happened between him and Homan and asked for an explanation.
“We’re trying to better understand who’s in charge,” he said.
Noem called Homan “a great human being.”
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President-elect Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan speaks on Fox News. (Fox News)
“He is an advisor to the president, the border czar. If nominated and confirmed, I will of course assume the position of Secretary of Homeland Security and be responsible for the authority we have in the actions we take. ” she said.
Mr. Kim countered by quoting Mr. Homan’s statement that he would decide on border security and deportations.
“So I just raised that as my concern, because it’s not just about the functioning of our executive branch, but about the ability of this commission to properly carry out its constitutional oversight duties, which is our Because it’s also about competency. If we can have that conversation, we can talk to you and engage with you,” he said.
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“If he’s going to make a decision, he should also be on this committee.”
Noem responded by saying that she and Homan “work very well together, are always talking and communicating, and have been working together on a daily basis while in their respective positions under the new administration.” “And I would say no.” Authority will be taken away from the department, or from myself if I am in that role. ”
Adam Shaw is a political reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.
Contact him at adam.shaw2@fox.com or at: Twitter.
