First on CNN: Trump picks Kristi Noem to serve as his Homeland Security secretary

Trump's pick for Homeland Security secretary is a rising star in the Republican Party

President Donald Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a source familiar with the decision tells CNN. Noem, a conservative Republican and close ally of Trump, is a rising star in the party and has been a vocal supporter of the president's immigration policies. She is the first woman to be nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Noem is expected to face a tough confirmation battle in the Senate

Noem's nomination is likely to face a tough confirmation battle in the Senate, where Democrats are expected to oppose her nomination. Democrats have criticized Noem's record on immigration, including her support for Trump's family separation policy. Noem has also been criticized for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota, which has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 cases per capita in the country.

Despite the challenges, Noem is expected to be confirmed by the Senate. Republicans control the Senate by a 53-47 margin, and Noem has the support of many Republican senators. If confirmed, Noem would be the first woman to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Noem's nomination is a sign of Trump's continued influence over the Republican Party

Noem's nomination is a sign of Trump's continued influence over the Republican Party. Despite losing the 2020 presidential election, Trump remains popular among Republican voters, and his endorsement is still seen as valuable to Republican candidates.

Noem's nomination is also a sign of the growing influence of women in the Republican Party. In recent years, the Republican Party has made a concerted effort to recruit and support female candidates, and Noem is one of the most prominent examples of this trend.