Written by Ethan Matthews.

Kristi Noem, South Dakota’s Governor since 2019 and now President Trump’s pick for Homeland Security Secretary, faced the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on Friday morning. While her confirmation hearing started out as a straightforward affair, things took an unexpected turn when Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) tried—and failed—to land a meaningful point on border security.

It wasn’t just a tough moment for Kim; it was downright embarrassing. When he asked Noem a question about who would be in charge of border security under the Trump administration, it was clear he hadn’t done his homework. This isn’t exactly the kind of blunder you want to make on such a high-profile stage.

Border Security 101: A Quick Reminder for the Senator

Here’s how it went down. Kim began by referencing Tom Homan, Trump’s appointee for Border Czar, and then asked Noem a question that left many viewers scratching their heads: “Who’s in charge of the nation’s borders?”

Noem didn’t hesitate to give the senator a basic civics lesson. “The President,” she said, calmly but firmly, “has ultimate authority over America’s national security, including our borders.”

You’d think that would have been the end of it. Instead, Kim admitted he was “confused,” doubling down on his concern that Homan’s role as Border Czar might somehow interfere with Noem’s duties if confirmed.

Noem, showing patience that must come from years in politics, explained again: both she and Homan would report to President Trump, carrying out his directives to secure the border.

Senator Kim’s Long-Winded Misstep

Instead of cutting his losses, Kim went on a lengthy monologue about Homan’s responsibilities, seemingly trying to make the case that the Border Czar’s appointment could undermine Noem’s authority.

But Noem stayed cool. She assured Kim that she’d work effectively with Homan and emphasized the chain of command: the President makes the calls, and his team works together to implement them.

To viewers familiar with how the executive branch functions, the exchange was painful to watch. Kim’s line of questioning didn’t just fall flat—it revealed a lack of understanding about how border policy is structured.

What This Means for the Future of Homeland Security

This hearing wasn’t just about one awkward moment. It’s part of a larger conversation about border security under the Trump administration. Noem’s responses showed she’s ready to take on the role of Homeland Security Secretary with a clear understanding of the issues at hand.

Trump’s approach to border security has always been firm, prioritizing enforcement and the rule of law. Appointing someone like Noem, who aligns with his vision and understands the importance of teamwork, sends a strong message about his priorities for the next four years.

But the hearing also highlighted a deeper issue. If senators like Kim struggle with basic concepts of national security, how effective can they be in shaping policy or holding officials accountable? The stakes are too high for this kind of amateur hour.

Our Take

Senator Kim’s fumbling performance isn’t just a bad look for him—it’s bad for the country. When lawmakers don’t grasp the fundamentals of border security, they risk undermining serious policy discussions. Border enforcement is a complex issue that requires clarity, not confusion.

Kristi Noem’s poise during the hearing was a reminder that experience and preparation matter. While some may criticize Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, his team’s clear focus on security and accountability stands in stark contrast to the muddled approach we saw from Kim.

If this hearing is any indication, Noem is ready for the job. Whether the same can be said for some of the senators questioning her is another matter entirely.