Slate News What Next | Kristi Noem Understands the Assignment
Jun 18, 2025
Seth Tupper, Editor-in-Chief of the South Dakota Searchlight, and Ahilan Arulanantham, Co-Director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy, delve into the rise of Kristi Noem and her power dynamics within the Trump administration. They discuss her controversial tactics in Homeland Security, highlighting military crackdowns on protests and ambitious immigration policies. The dialogue also touches on Noem's political maneuvers, including the pandemic-related fireworks at Mount Rushmore and her evolving public image amidst legal battles over immigration rights.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Noem's Provocation Tactic
- Kristi Noem often says things to provoke backlash and build support as a victim of left-wing attacks.
- This tactic helps her stay in the news and consolidate political power.
Noem's Political Origin Story
- Kristi Noem's political origin story began when her father died in a tragic grain bin accident.
- She was enraged by the estate tax imposed on her grieving family and labeled it the "death tax."
Noem's Border Focus
- Noem focused heavily on border issues despite South Dakota not being a border state.
- She sent troops to assist at the Mexico border, signaling her political ambitions in border enforcement.