Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security Secretary, has filed for divorce from her husband Bryon Noem after over three decades of marriage. The filing occurred on Monday in Hamlin County, South Dakota, citing irreconcilable differences. Court documents indicate that Noem's attorneys signed the filing on April 6, but it was not submitted until Monday. The complaint includes a temporary restraining order preventing either party from transferring assets or harassing the other, as mandated by South Dakota law.
In a statement, Kristi Noem's attorney, Michael Sabers, expressed her confidence in the South Dakota judicial system and stated that she would refrain from further comments during the legal process. The couple shares three children and four grandchildren. Bryon Noem, an insurance agent, became South Dakota’s inaugural first gentleman when Kristi Noem was elected as the state’s first female governor in 2018.
The divorce follows reports from a tabloid that published images allegedly showing Bryon Noem in women’s clothing and engaging in online conversations with adult performers. These images were first reported by the Daily Mail in March, but MS NOW has not independently verified them. A spokesperson for Kristi Noem previously stated that she was “devastated” and that the family was blindsided by the situation, requesting privacy.
President Donald Trump commented in March that he was unaware of the photos and was surprised by their authenticity. Security experts raised concerns about potential blackmail risks related to the images, given Kristi Noem's current role as a special envoy. Additionally, she has faced scrutiny over her leadership during her tenure at the Department of Homeland Security and her relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a political ally of Trump. Noem was removed from her DHS position in March following criticism of her leadership.
Sydney Reynolds contributed to this report.