A Native American tribe in South Dakota lifted its deportation order to Republican Governor Kristi Noem in a letter Wednesday and offered to support her nomination to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, Fox News Digital has learned .
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Chairman Toni Ryder wrote a letter to Noem on Wednesday informing her that the tribe’s executive committee voted in May to “remove the disqualification” imposed on Noem from serving in President-elect Trump’s Cabinet. Congratulated him for his nomination.
The letter comes just days before Noem is scheduled to appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for her confirmation hearing.
“I commend and support your nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. I wish you all the best and have confidence in your performance during your Senate confirmation hearing on January 17, 2025 “Your dedication to the security of the United States will benefit all of us,” the reader’s letter said, according to a copy obtained by Fox News Digital.
South Dakota Government. Noem banned from tribal reservation over comments on America’s southern border
Kristi Noem, President-elect for Governor of South Dakota and President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, with Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Come for the meeting with, December 11, 2024. (Getty Images)
All nine of South Dakota’s native tribes banned them from their reservations last year after outrage over Noem’s suggestions that tribal leaders profit from cartels and the immigration crisis and comments about the future of Native children. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe was the last tribe to ban it.
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“Their children have no hope. They don’t have parents who will come out and help them. They have a tribal council or a president who focuses on political agendas rather than helping make one’s life better.” Concentrates.” Noem said in remarks last year that were criticized by tribes.
Ryder addressed the issue in her letter to Noem on Wednesday, noting that the governor has apologized for her past comments and clarified her remarks.
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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks before Republican presidential nominee, former President Trump, takes the stage during the Buckeye Values PAC rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on March 16, 2024. (Kamil Krzyzinski/AFP via Getty Images)
“One of the conditions contained in the deportation resolution was that you apologize for comments you made regarding the education of tribal members and tribal member children that some considered offensive. Many before and after the resolution was passed In the meetings, you not only explained your position, but apologized if the comments caused offense to the Tribe, and you additionally asked for advice on how to conduct such communications going forward, which the Tribe and I appreciated. Reader wrote.
Tribes criticize South Dakota governor’s claims that leaders are profiting from drug cartels
Badlands National Park in South Dakota (Bernie Friel/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The letter comes as Noem prepares for her confirmation hearing in the Senate on Friday morning.
Trump announced Noem as his choice to lead DHS shortly after his decisive victory over Kamala Harris, citing the Republican governor’s efforts to secure the southern border, which has been hit by a crackdown on illegal crossings under the Biden administration. Is overwhelmed by.
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In the months since her nomination, Noem has drawn endorsements from at least eight police groups or unions, including a union that represents thousands of Border Patrol agents.
Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry She also called on Senate lawmakers, particularly Democrats, to confirm Noem after the terrorist attack that shook New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
The International Association of Fire Fighters, a large, historically Democratic firefighter union, also recently endorsed Noem, arguing during the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles that she would be “a strong leader in emergency management and response to both natural and man-made emergencies.” understands the importance of the government’s response to this.”
