In floor remarks Saturday morning, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer ripped into the Trump administration for firing at 17 independent inspectors generals. "It's a preview of the lawless approach Donald Trump," Schumer said.

So far, three people have been confirmed to Trump’s Cabinet: former Sen. Marco Rubio as the secretary of state, John Ratcliffe as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense.

Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered that the state's flags — which have been flying at half-staff since the death of President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29 — be raised Monday to honor the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, is facing a showdown with Senators on Friday at what is expected to be a tense confirmation hearing.

WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary on Saturday, putting the South Dakota governor in charge of a sprawling agency that is essential to national security and President Donald Trump's plans to clamp down on illegal immigration.

The Senate confirmed Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on Sunday during a weekend vote, as Republicans overcame efforts by Democrats to delay the process by using procedural hurdles.

By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON - Kristi Noem was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as President Donald Trump's Homeland Security secretary on Saturday, putting into position a key member of the Republican's Cabinet as he launches a wide-ranging immigration crackdown.

WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary ... is essential to national security and President Donald Trump’s plans to clamp down on illegal immigration.

Noem's full name is Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem and she was born in 1971 in Watertown, in east central South Dakota. The city is in Codington County about 187 miles northeast of the state's capital Pierre. The new Secretary of Homeland Security is married to Bryon Noem.

The two term South Dakota Gov. was tapped by Trump in November and will be key in enacting the new president's mass deportation plan.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., was officially confirmed as Secretary of State by a 99-0 vote Monday. Former Illinois Rep. John Ratcliffe became the newest CIA director following a confirmation vote Thursday. And Pete Hegseth was confirmed as defense secretary on Friday.