Kristi Noem Files for Divorce After 34 Years Amid Controversy
Kristi Noem, the former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and ex-Governor of South Dakota, has filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, after 34 years of marriage. The couple wed in May 1992 and share three children.
The divorce petition was submitted in April to the Hamlin County court in South Dakota and became publicly available recently. The filing cites "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.
Noem served as DHS Secretary during President Donald Trump's administration, overseeing immigration policies from January 2025 through March 2026. Earlier this year, questions emerged about her relationship with a senior adviser, Corey Lewandowski, which coincided with increased scrutiny of her professional conduct.
Kristi Noem's legal representative, Michael Sabers, confirmed the divorce filing but declined further comment, indicating the matter will proceed through the courts. Bryon Noem's attorney, Tim Bottum, expressed sadness over the marriage's end and emphasized Bryon's commitment to their family, highlighting his focus on being a supportive parent and grandparent.
The announcement follows a period of controversy, including congressional inquiries into Noem's alleged extramarital affair with Lewandowski, who was a key adviser and former Trump campaign manager. Noem denied these claims, dismissing them as unfounded rumors.
Her tenure as DHS Secretary ended shortly after these allegations surfaced. Additionally, she faced criticism regarding her department's spending and her handling of incidents involving immigration officers, which strained her relationship with allies within the Republican Party.
Following her departure, Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma was nominated to succeed her as DHS Secretary, while Noem was appointed as a special envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a security initiative targeting the Western Hemisphere.