1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the Director of the Department of Homeland Security. I urge you to vote NO on this appointment, as her record and history raise serious concerns about her qualifications to lead such a vital federal agency. Governor Noem’s tenure as governor of one of our smallest states has been marred by numerous scandals and ethical violations that demonstrate a clear lack of integrity and judgment. Most notably, she faced allegations of misusing her office to assist her daughter in securing a real estate appraiser license. This intervention resulted in a costly settlement for the state, further calling into question her ability to uphold the responsibilities of a federal leadership position. Additionally, Noem's actions have led to her being banned from all nine Tribal reservations in South Dakota due to her inflammatory comments regarding drug cartels and her disparaging remarks about Native children. Such behavior undermines trust and respect for diverse communities, which is essential for a leader in the Department of Homeland Security. Her administration has also been plagued by high turnover and a lack of transparency, and it is currently under investigation for corruption involving former state employees. These issues highlight a troubling pattern of behavior that is incompatible with the leadership required for a department tasked with safeguarding the security of the American people. Moreover, Noem's questionable use of taxpayer funds for personal and political purposes raises further red flags. Her misuse of state resources for travel that blurred the lines between official duties and personal engagements is a clear violation of the public's trust. Furthermore, her fabrications about meeting world leaders, including claims about interactions with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un and French President Emmanuel Macron, reflect a disturbing tendency to misrepresent the truth for political gain. In her book, Noem also describes a troubling incident involving the killing of her puppy, which she deemed "untrainable." This incident, coupled with her other actions, paints a picture of someone who lacks the empathy and judgment necessary for a position of such great responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security deserves a leader who is qualified, trustworthy, and capable of addressing serious national security threats. Kristi Noem's history of ethical violations, misuse of taxpayer resources, and lack of transparency make her an unsuitable candidate for this critical role. I urge you to consider the implications of confirming someone with such a troubled record and to stand with the American people in opposing her nomination. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.