US President Donald Trump held a closed-door, two-hour meeting with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as his administration continues to grapple with its political and policy approach toward Minneapolis, a city that has remained a focal point in national debates over public safety, federal authority, and urban governance.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the meeting focused on evaluating strategy amid renewed attention on Minneapolis following recent incidents that have reignited conversations around crime, policing, and federal-state coordination. The talks reportedly included assessments of messaging, enforcement priorities, and political positioning as Trump and his allies seek to sharpen their stance ahead of upcoming national developments.
Kristi Noem, a longtime Trump ally and prominent conservative voice, has frequently aligned with Trump on law-and-order themes and criticism of progressive-led cities. Her involvement signals a broader effort by Trump’s team to consolidate support among Republican leaders while refining approaches to urban policy challenges that resonate with the party’s base.
Minneapolis has remained a symbolic and strategic flashpoint since the 2020 unrest following the death of George Floyd, with Trump repeatedly citing the city in arguments against Democratic leadership and criminal justice reforms. Advisors suggest the latest meeting reflects an effort to balance strong rhetoric with practical political considerations as public concern over safety and governance continues to evolve.
While no formal policy announcements emerged from the meeting, sources indicated that further coordination with state and local officials may follow. The discussions also reportedly touched on national security, federal response authority, and the role of governors in managing civil unrest and public safety crises.
Trump’s engagement with Noem underscores his continued influence within Republican politics and his hands-on approach to shaping narratives around crime, governance, and leadership in major US cities.
