South Dakotans congratulate Noem, Rhoden as they ascend to new roles
Noem's confirmation to lead President Trump's Department of Homeland Security spurs resignation and new governor
PIERRE — Kristi Noem’s departure from the Governor’s Office to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Donald Trump, and her subsequent resignation making Larry Rhoden governor, was greeted by largely positive reactions from officials around the state and beyond Saturday.
Noem won confirmation to be DHS secretary on a 59-34 U.S. Senate vote. Moments later she resigned, making Rhoden, her lieutenant governor, South Dakota’s 34th governor. Noem was sworn in as DHS secretary Saturday afternoon.
The ascension of Noem to one of the most influential cabinet positions in Trump’s federal government and Rhoden’s new administration were greeted with excitement by state government officials from Pierre to Washington D.C.
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