Kristi Noem confirmed, sworn in as Homeland Security secretary

The process of confirming President Donald Trump's Cabinet picks continues apace, with certain key nominees already in place and others facing imminent Senate hearings to address their candidacies.

On Saturday, the Senate confirmed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to serve as the president's Homeland Security secretary, doing so by a vote of 59-34, as Fox News reports.

Smooth path to confirmation success

Noem's nomination received support from all Republicans and seven Democrats, marking an end to what was not expected to be a particularly contentious process.

The governor did not encounter any noteworthy difficulties along the way, with her nomination moving out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with ease, by a 13-2 margin.

Noem's tenure as head of Homeland Security is likely to focus on border security and illegal immigration, both top priorities for the president who nominated her.

During her recent confirmation hearing, Noem articulated her vision for the job to which she has now ascended, as Fox News noted, with the governor stating, “We must be vigilant and proactive and innovative to protect the homeland.”

She continued, “The challenges in front of us are extremely significant, and we must secure our borders against illegal trafficking and immigration. We must safeguard our critical infrastructure to make sure that we're protected against cyber attacks, respond to natural disasters and also terrorism.”

Memorable swearing-in ceremony follows vote

Noem's successful confirmation vote was followed by a particularly meaningful swearing-in ceremony at the home of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, as Fox News noted separately.

The governor was initially set to take the oath in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building's Indian Treaty room at 3 p.m., but a series of postponements resulted in a different plan altogether.

At around 6 p.m., the oath was administered to Noem at the Thomas residence, a scene of which she later shared images on social media.

Noem mused, “It is such an honor to be sworn in as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. It was made even more meaningful by being sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at his home.”

She went on, “Thank you, President [Donald] Trump for putting your trust in me to help keep America safe,” and that is precisely what millions of Americans hope and expect she will do as her tenure unfolds.