Kristi Noem files for divorce after 34 years of marriage

Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from her husband of 34 years, Bryon Noem, in Hamlin County, South Dakota. The filing, signed in April 2026 but made public on September 28, 2026, cites irreconcilable differences. The split follows a tumultuous period for Kristi Noem, who was fired by President Donald Trump in March 2026 amid DHS policy controversies and intense scrutiny over her husband's exposed online crossdressing activities and her own rumored affair with adviser Corey Lewandowski.

The divorce filing and responses

• ▪Under South Dakota law, Kristi Noem and Bryon Noem are placed under a temporary restraining order as a result of the active divorce proceedings
• ▪Kristi Noem's mother, Corinne Arnold, confirmed to the Daily Mail in July 2026 that her daughter had initiated divorce proceedings in the spring
• ▪Kristi Noem's divorce complaint against Bryon Noem was signed by Kristi Noem's attorney on April 6, 2026, and officially filed in Hamlin County Circuit Court on September 28, 2026
• ▪Bryon Noem issued a statement through his attorney Tim Bottum expressing sadness over his divorce from Kristi Noem and a desire for a private, amicable resolution
• ▪Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, in Hamlin County, South Dakota, citing irreconcilable differences

Marriage and family history

• ▪Kristi Noem and Bryon Noem have three adult children: Kassidy, age 31; Kennedy, age 29; and Booker, age 23
• ▪Kristi Noem and Bryon Noem were married on May 23, 1992, in Watertown, South Dakota, after meeting as high school sweethearts

Allegations regarding Bryon Noem's online activities

• ▪The Daily Mail published photos in late March 2026 showing Bryon Noem wearing women's clothing, tight pink shorts, and large fake breasts
• ▪Reports alleged Bryon Noem engaged in online chats with fetish models, sent at least $25,000 to multiple women, and promised to marry one
• ▪Kristi Noem's spokesperson stated in March 2026 that she was devastated and the family was blindsided by the Daily Mail's allegations regarding Bryon Noem's online activities

Allegations of an affair with Corey Lewandowski

• ▪Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski have repeatedly denied allegations of an affair between them, with Kristi Noem characterizing the rumors as tabloid garbage
• ▪Members of Congress questioned Kristi Noem under oath on March 4, 2026, regarding an alleged extramarital affair with her chief adviser, Corey Lewandowski

Controversies and dismissal as DHS secretary

• ▪President Donald Trump disputed Kristi Noem's claim that he authorized a $220 million taxpayer-funded DHS advertising campaign featuring her riding a horse
• ▪Kristi Noem faced intense bipartisan criticism and congressional scrutiny following the fatal shooting of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis

Debatable claims

• ▪President Trump was justified in firing Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary
• ▪An official's private conduct is a legitimate subject of congressional oversight