As global tensions continue to rise, particularly due to military conflicts between Israel and Iran, and Russia and Ukraine, President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced new appointments to the Homeland Security Advisory Council on Tuesday.
The Trump administration touted the additions as “new-look” and “America First” in a press release issued on Tuesday morning. Among the newest members of the council are Fox News and radio talk show host Mark Levin, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC), former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, and the founder of “Bikers for Trump,” Christopher Cox, among others.
“Formed on March 19, 2002, the HSAC leverages the experience, expertise, and national and global connections of its membership to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations,” read the release. “This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience from homeland security experts committed to fulfilling President Trump’s agenda.”
Typically, HSAC members included those involved in state and local governments. It also frequently enlisted the services of people with experience in the private sector, academia, and first responder communities. They will regularly advise Secretary Noem on Homeland Security matters and offer policy recommendations.
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Based on the information on its website, the HSAC doesn’t appear to have made any policy recommendations since Trump began his second term on Jan. 20, 2025. The last proposal, a report on online child exploitation and abuse, came over a year ago, on June 6, 2024.
The release also announced the HSAC’s first meeting, which will be on July 2 at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.