Trump Administration Confirmation Hearings: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem

In this series, we summarize each candidate’s relevant positions. For more insights on the Trump Administration, visit Winston & Strawn’s The First 100 Days. 

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In her confirmation hearing on January 25, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, discussed a variety of topics that may be relevant for international trade, including investments in cybersecurity, border security, disaster relief, the relationship with China, and de minimis shipments.  

Cybersecurity

Secretary Noem emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and her commitment to improve cybersecurity-related infrastructure. She mentioned multiple alleged hacking incidents conducted by China and warned about the vulnerability in U.S. government, critical infrastructure, and small businesses. She intends to leverage private–public partnerships to deploy advanced cybersecurity technologies.

Border Security

Secretary Noem noted that border security “must remain a top priority.” She mentioned that the wall on the southern border is important, and that it is necessary to make significant investments in new technologies such as scanners and satellites on both the northern and the southern borders.

Disaster Relief

Secretary Noem was questioned about President Trump’s comments related to withholding disaster-relief funds for California. Secretary Noem promised that she would not allocate disaster relief according to political bias. 

China

Secretary Noem mentioned that she had seen China’s agenda on infiltrating the United States, which included controlling the U.S. food supply chain, manipulating currency, stealing intellectual property, and letting fentanyl flow into the United States.

De Minimis Shipments 

Secretary Noem noted that she believes “de minimis shipments are a concern” due to the potential abuse by traffickers and fentanyl distributors.

Disclaimer: This information is strictly to provide public information on the administration’s policy positions and in no way indicates an affiliation with any political party.