Kristi Noem Gets a New Gig

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who after her ouster from President Donald Trump’s Cabinet was handed a spot on a brand new multinational anti-crime initiative, has a new job advising Canadian mining company NovaRed, the firm announced in a press release Tuesday.

The company said Noem will support its “mission of acquiring and advancing critical mineral exploration opportunities through its artificial intelligence-enhanced technology platform.”

NovaRed pointed to Noem’s “extensive experience” across many sectors of public policy, including energy, agriculture and national security.

“Kristi brings exceptional leadership experience and a deep understanding of the policy, regulatory, and economic factors that influence infrastructure investment, resource development, and long-term economic growth,” NovaRed CEO Brian Goss said.

Noem, who was fired from her role as head of DHS by Trump in early March, explained her position in an interview on Fox News, touting the “new way” NovaRed is searching for minerals like copper.

“They’re using AI to go out there and put data sets together,” Noem said. The former secretary emphasized the need to build on the Canadian copper the U.S. already imports “to make sure we’re doing business with those that are closer to home and that are friendly countries.”

Noem also serves as the special envoy to the Shield of the Americas, a multinational initiative to combat crime — with a specific focus on drug cartels. Trump launched the initiative in partnership with multiple world leaders and appointed Noem to lead it immediately after she transitioned out of her Cabinet role.

Toward the end of her tenure as DHS secretary, Noem faced criticism for her handling of Trump’s draconian immigration crackdown in cities across the country. Critics in particular took issue with her department’s immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis, which resulted in violent clashes with local protesters and the deaths of at least two residents: Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both 37.

Noem also faced scrutiny for spending hundreds of millions on ads — including one campaign that featured her speaking about immigration enforcement while riding on horseback through Mount Rushmore. Noem allegedly funneled $220 million in DHS ad spending to a firm tied to the husband of her department’s chief spokesperson.

The former South Dakota governor is one of four women to depart Trump’s Cabinet since the start of his second term.