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United States Secretary of Homeland Security

The United States secretary of homeland security is the head of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The position was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

United States Secretary of Homeland Security
Seal of the United States Department of Homeland Security.svg
Seal of the Department of Homeland Security
Flag of the United States Secretary of Homeland Security.svg
Flag of the secretary
Official Portrait of Secretary Kristi Noem.jpg
Incumbent
Kristi Noem
since January 25, 2025
Department of Homeland Security
StyleMadam Secretary (informal)
The Honorable (formal)
Member ofCabinet
Homeland Security Council
National Security Council
Reports toPresident of the United States
SeatSt. Elizabeths West Campus, Washington, D.C., U.S.
AppointerThe president
with Senate advice and consent
Term lengthNo fixed term
Constituting instrument6 U.S.C. § 112
FormationJanuary 24, 2003
(22 years ago) (2003-01-24)
First holderTom Ridge
SuccessionEighteenth[1]
DeputyDeputy Secretary
SalaryExecutive Schedule, Level I
Websitedhs.gov

The current secretary of homeland security is Kristi Noem, since 2025.

List of living former secretaries

As of September 2025, there are nine living former secretaries of education, the oldest being Tom Ridge, the first ever person to fill the position (served 2003-2005). This is the only cabinet position in which all former occupants of the position are still living.

United States Secretary Of Homeland Security Media

  • Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security.

  • Official portrait of James M. Loy

  • Michael Chertoff, United States Secretary of Homeland Security.

  • Official portrait of United States Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano

  • Official portrait of acting Secretary of Homeland Security Rand Beers.

  • Elaine Duke, Secretary of Homeland Security

References

  1. ↑ "3 U.S. Code § 19 – Vacancy in offices of both President and Vice President; officers eligible to act". LII / Legal Information Institute.
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