President Donald Trump has officially nominated Kirstjen Nielsen to be the new Homeland Security secretary. Nielsen replaces Gen. John F. Kelly, who held the role until July. Kelly is now Trump's Chief of Staff.
Trump opened up his announcement by praising Kelly's tenure as Homeland Security secretary, and then reiterated how glad he is that he is still in the White House. He then sung Nielsen's past work in his administration, and spoke of how thrilled he was to have her in this new position. Previously, Nielsen was the Deputy Chief of Staff, and prior to that she served as Chief of Staff to the United States Secretary of Homeland Security.
"She has won the universal respect of my entire cabinet and senior White House staff," said Trump.
Watch below:
Watch: President Trump announces nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen for Department of Homeland Security Secretary https://t.co/teYkB8v9g0
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) October 12, 2017
Speaking afterwards, Nielsen said being confirmed to the position would be the "highest honor" of her life.
Nominee Kirstjen Nielsen says “if confirmed it will be the highest honor of my life” to be @DHSgov secretary. pic.twitter.com/A8kkUn5Lxj
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) October 12, 2017