Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Files for Divorce in South Dakota

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from Bryon Noem, her husband of more than 34 years, according to court records in South Dakota.

The complaint, signed by Noem’s attorney in April, was filed Monday in Hamlin County court. It lists irreconcilable differences as the reason for the dissolution of the marriage. Under South Dakota law, the filing places both parties under a temporary restraining order while the case proceeds.

Noem’s exit from the Department of Homeland Security came in March, when President Donald Trump fired her and replaced her with Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Her tenure was marked by intense scrutiny and a series of political storms, including congressional inquiries into her relationship with her chief adviser, Corey Lewandowski. Noem and Lewandowski have denied that their relationship was romantic.

Before leading DHS, Noem was the Republican governor of South Dakota, where she built a national profile as a combative conservative. Bryon Noem was often at her side during congressional testimony and public events, and in her book she wrote at length about their time as high school sweethearts and how he courted her. The couple have three children and multiple grandchildren.

Earlier this year, the Daily Mail published photos that appeared to show Bryon Noem wearing women’s clothing and large fake breasts. The tabloid also alleged that he had exchanged messages with women online and made payments to some of them. Bryon Noem did not offer immediate comment.

Attorney Michael K. Sabers said in a statement: "Kristi Noem has filed for the dissolution of her marriage to Bryon Noem. She has great faith in the South Dakota judicial system and will reserve any further comments for the legal process."

Since leaving DHS, Kristi Noem has been named by Trump as special envoy to the "Shield of Americas," a coalition between the United States and governments in Latin America. The divorce filing adds another layer of personal and political attention as she moves into that new role, though the legal case is expected to unfold in South Dakota, the state where she long served in public office.