The Liberty Score is a rating system assessing how closely an individual’s views align with core Libertarian principles. Scores are based on a 0-100 scale, with 100 representing a fully Libertarian position and 0 representing complete opposition to Libertarian values. The grading criteria include:
Each category will be scored, then averaged to form the individual’s overall Liberty Score, providing a clear snapshot of their alignment with Libertarian ideals. Grades are provided by AI
Liberty Score Assessment:
Personal Freedom (10/25): Kristi Noem has supported legislation that increases surveillance and data collection in the name of national security, which raises concerns about individual privacy rights.
Economic Freedom (10/25): While Noem advocates for free-market principles, she has supported certain government interventions, such as subsidies for specific industries, indicating a mixed stance on economic freedom.
Limited Government (5/25): Her support for expansive national security measures and certain economic interventions suggests a preference for a more active government role in these areas.
Non-Intervention (10/25): Noem has consistently supported military interventions and a robust U.S. presence abroad, aligning with a more interventionist foreign policy stance.
Kristi Noem has served as the Governor of South Dakota since 2019. Prior to her governorship, she represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Noem is recognized as a steadfast ally of former President Donald Trump, aligning with his policies on immigration and national security. She was considered a potential running mate for Trump before excerpts from her memoir revealed an incident from two decades ago in which she euthanized her hunting dog, a disclosure that attracted public attention.
The Secretary of Homeland Security oversees the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for safeguarding the United States from a wide range of threats, including terrorism, natural disasters, and cybersecurity risks. The role encompasses the management of agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In a potential second Trump administration, the DHS Secretary would be instrumental in implementing immigration policies, including border security measures and enforcement actions. Given Noem’s alignment with Trump’s immigration stance, her leadership would likely focus on strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws. The position requires Senate confirmation, and Noem’s established relationships within the Republican Party may facilitate the confirmation process.