The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in South Dakota has rescinded its ban on Governor Kristi Noem, expressing support for her nomination as Secretary of Homeland Security. Tribal President Tony Reider conveyed this decision in a letter to Noem, which Fox News Digital obtained. The move comes days before Noem's scheduled confirmation hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Reider's letter congratulated Noem on her nomination by President-elect Trump and offered the tribe's endorsement. He expressed confidence in Noem's ability to enhance national security. This reversal follows the tribe's decision last year, along with eight other South Dakota tribes, to ban Noem from their reservations. The ban stemmed from controversial remarks she made, suggesting tribal leaders prioritized political agendas over the well-being of their communities, and implying their involvement with cartels and the immigration crisis. These comments sparked widespread criticism.
In his letter, Reider acknowledged Noem's subsequent apologies and explanations for her earlier statements. He noted that she had engaged in discussions with the tribe, both before and after the ban, to clarify her stance and seek guidance on future communication. Noem's willingness to address the issue and learn from the experience appears to have contributed to the tribe's decision to lift the ban.
Noem's nomination for DHS chief followed Trump's victory over Kamala Harris. Trump emphasized Noem's border security efforts, particularly relevant given the surge in illegal crossings during the Biden administration. Since her nomination, Noem has garnered significant support, including endorsements from several law enforcement organizations and a union representing Border Patrol agents. She has also received backing from figures like Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who urged the Senate for a swift confirmation following a terrorist incident in New Orleans. The International Association of Fire Fighters, a traditionally Democratic union, has also endorsed Noem, highlighting her experience with emergency management in light of the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
