Challenges in the Life of Kristi Noem in a Detailed Timeline
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kristi Noem. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Kristi Noem is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security since 2025. She is in the second Trump presidency.
February 2019: Concerns over Trade Wars
In February 2019, Noem voiced concerns that the Trump administration's trade wars with China and the European Union had devastated South Dakota's economy, particularly the agricultural sector.
November 18, 2019: "Meth. We're on It" Campaign Launch
On November 18, 2019, Noem launched a meth awareness campaign called "Meth. We're on It", which faced widespread mockery and criticism due to its high cost ($449,000 of public funds) and the use of an out-of-state advertising agency.
2019: Concealed Handgun Permit Law
In 2019, Noem signed a bill into law that abolished South Dakota's permit requirement to carry a concealed handgun.
2019: Veto of Hemp Legalization Bill
In 2019, Noem vetoed a bill that had passed the South Dakota House and Senate to legalize hemp cultivation, expressing concerns about undermining drug law enforcement.
March 13, 2020: K-12 School Closure Order
On March 13, 2020, Kristi Noem ordered K-12 schools in South Dakota to close in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 6, 2020: Executive Order on CDC Guidance and Stay-at-Home Order
On April 6, 2020, Noem issued an executive order that people "shall" follow CDC guidance, and she ordered everyone over age 65 in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties to stay home for three weeks.
April 9, 2020: Inspectors Allowed to Wear Masks with Permission
On April 9, 2020, the USDA announced that its inspectors would be allowed to wear masks if the meatpacking plants' owners gave the federal employees permission to do so, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 3, 2020: Mount Rushmore Event with Trump
On July 3, 2020, Noem did not mandate social distancing or masks at an event at Mount Rushmore with Trump present, despite health experts' warnings about large gatherings.
October 22, 2020: Record High COVID-19 Hospitalizations
On October 22, 2020, COVID-19 patients hospitalized in South Dakota reached a record high of 355, leading to the rescheduling of elective procedures by hospital systems.
November 2020: Promotion of Tourism During COVID-19 Surge
In November 2020, Kristi Noem used pandemic relief funds to promote tourism in South Dakota during a surge in COVID-19 cases, without implementing mask mandates.
December 2020: No Statewide Mandates
As of December 2020, Noem was among the few governors who had not maintained statewide stay-at-home orders or face-mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Opposition to Cannabis Legalization
In 2020, Noem opposed two ballot measures in South Dakota to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use. She argued that cannabis use is detrimental and would not improve communities.
February 8, 2021: Amendment A Struck Down
On February 8, 2021, a circuit court judge deemed Amendment A, the measure legalizing recreational marijuana, as unconstitutional.
March 8, 2021: Women's Fairness in Sports Bill
On March 8, 2021, Noem announced on Twitter that she would sign into law H.B. 1217, the Women's Fairness in Sports Bill, banning transgender athletes from women's sports teams. Critics worried about potential economic repercussions for the state.
2021: Signing of Religious Refusal Bill
In 2021, Noem signed a religious refusal bill into law that amended the state's RFRA, allowing business owners to deny services based on religious beliefs related to sexual orientation or gender identity. Critics said the legislation would enable discrimination.
January 21, 2022: "Prayer Bill" Defeated
On January 21, 2022, the "prayer bill", HB 1015, which sought to reintroduce prayer in schools, was defeated in the House Education Committee.
February 24, 2022: Introduction of House Resolution 7004
On February 24, 2022, Republican State Representative John Mills introduced House Resolution 7004 against Noem, addressing "the Governor's unacceptable actions in matters related to the appraiser certification program".
2022: Gun Range Proposal Rejected
In 2022, Noem's proposal to build a gun range in Meade County using government funds was rejected by the legislature.
