Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has responded through a spokesperson to recent published reports concerning her husband, Bryon Noem, requesting privacy for her family during what the statement characterized as a difficult time.
A spokesperson for the former cabinet official issued a statement on Tuesday, March 31, indicating the family was unprepared for the media attention. The statement requested privacy and prayers without directly addressing the specific allegations that emerged in national media outlets earlier that day.
The controversy arrives during a turbulent period for the Noem family. Kristi Noem, 54, was removed from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security earlier in March 2026 following contentious testimony before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. The hearing addressed concerns regarding her management of the department and her professional relationship with Corey Lewandowski, who served in an advisory capacity.
During the congressional testimony, representatives questioned Noem about the nature of her relationship with Lewandowski. According to USA Today, Noem responded to the inquiry by stating, "I am shocked we're going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee."
President Donald Trump, 79, subsequently announced that Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin would assume the Homeland Security position. Noem was reassigned to serve as United States Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a newly created diplomatic role.
When asked about the reports concerning Bryon Noem on Tuesday, President Trump told media outlets he had not reviewed the information and knew nothing about the situation, adding that he felt sympathy for the family if the reports were accurate.
Kristi and Bryon Noem have been married since 1992 and share three adult children: daughters Kassidy and Kennedy, and son Booker. The couple also has grandchildren.
Noem began her political career in 2007 as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives. She was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2011, representing South Dakota at the federal level. In 2019, she assumed office as Governor of South Dakota, a position she held until her resignation in 2025 to join the Trump administration.
Her tenure as governor and brief service as Homeland Security Secretary marked significant chapters in South Dakota political history, though her time in the cabinet ended amid controversy before completing a full year in the position.
Neither Kristi nor Bryon Noem has issued additional statements beyond the initial spokesperson response. The family has not announced whether they plan to address the matter further or pursue legal action regarding the published reports.