The Federalist Criticizes Kristi Noem as ‘Coward’ and ‘Undeserving’ for Homeland Security Role

The conservative publication The Federalist published a scathing critique of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, calling her a “coward” and “undeserving” of the potential role as head of the Department of Homeland Security. The critique, penned by Executive Editor Joy Pullmann, took direct aim at Noem’s record as governor and questioned her suitability for the Trump administration’s proposed Cabinet position.

In the editorial, Pullmann questioned Noem’s commitment to conservative values and accused her of prioritizing self-promotion over effective governance. “While Noem is certainly skilled at promoting herself, she doesn’t have the courage required for this role,” Pullmann wrote, responding to news reports of President-elect Donald Trump’s consideration of Noem for the position.

Pullmann cited specific instances where she believed Noem had failed to demonstrate the boldness required for a Homeland Security leader. In particular, she criticized Noem’s support for policies aligned with what she described as a “corrupt health-industrial complex,” alleging that Noem’s decisions as governor had favored state lobbyists rather than constituents. This stance, Pullmann argued, reflects a troubling alignment with special interests.

In her article, Pullmann referenced a high-profile incident where Noem was confronted by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson over these policies. According to Pullmann, Noem’s defense was her fear of legal battles—a stance Pullmann found particularly concerning for someone vying for a role in the Trump administration. “And when she was called out on this by the likes of Tucker Carlson, Noem’s defense was that she’s scared to engage in lawsuits on behalf of Americans’ obvious best interests,” Pullmann wrote.

“It should go without saying that anyone who is scared of lawsuits should not be part of the Trump administration, especially anyone involved in combatting illegal immigration.” Pullmann also addressed what she viewed as an inflated reputation for courage that Noem has garnered within conservative circles due to her handling of COVID-19.

Though Noem was the only governor not to enforce lockdowns in her state, Pullmann argued that this was not due to her personal stance but rather a result of the South Dakota state legislature’s refusal to grant her the authority to impose a shutdown. “Noem has an undeserved reputation for courage because she was the only governor not to shut down her state in the name of Covid,” Pullmann wrote. “But that reputation is completely undeserved. The truth is, she attempted to get the power to shut down South Dakota, but the state Legislature refused to give it to her.”

The article concluded with an uncompromising assessment of Noem’s fitness for the role of Homeland Security Secretary. Pullmann claimed that Noem’s governance style, characterized by hesitancy and a lack of assertive action, would prevent her from effectively leading the agency. “Noem hasn’t been able to stand for much of anything as governor, which puts in doubt her ability to take a hard line at DHS,” Pullmann wrote.

In one of her most pointed statements, Pullmann summarized her view of Noem’s leadership in a single sentence: “Noem is a coward who back-stabs her own party.” The editorial underscored Pullmann’s conviction that the Department of Homeland Security requires a leader with stronger convictions and more willingness to take risks than Noem has shown in her tenure as governor.

The Federalist piece, reflecting a growing critique within conservative circles, signals potential resistance to Noem’s nomination within Trump’s own base. The sharpness of Pullmann’s words may set the stage for further debate over Noem’s possible role in the administration and her alignment with Trump’s goals for Homeland Security.