Kristi Noem Addresses Husband's Photos

Kristi Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security and Governor of South Dakota, stated she was “devastated” and “blindsided” by the recent emergence of photos allegedly featuring her husband, Bryon Noem. The images, circulating from an online fetish community, depict a person resembling Bryon Noem in cross-dressing attire.

Years of a Complex Marriage

Kristi and Bryon Noem have been married since 1992, beginning their life together while Kristi was still in college. They welcomed their first child in 1994, shortly after the death of Kristi’s father in a grain mill accident. Bryon Noem has been a consistent presence throughout Kristi Noem’s political career, supporting her through elections to the state house in 2007 and Congress in 2011.

Affair Allegations with Corey Lewandowski

Multiple sources have reported that Kristi Noem has been engaged in a years-long affair with Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign aide. The Daily Mail reported last April that the pair were renting apartments across the street from each other in Washington D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood, with Lewandowski frequently visiting Noem’s residence.

Travels and Official Duties

Reports indicate that Noem and Lewandowski traveled extensively together, including on official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) business trips to El Salvador, Mexico, and Colombia. They reportedly utilized donors’ planes for travel to various locations. During immigration raids, Lewandowski was reportedly introduced as “chief of staff” despite being officially designated as a DHS advisor and special government employee.

Family Reactions and Bryon Noem's Faith

Family members have indicated that Bryon Noem is a devout Christian and has seemingly accepted a role of supporting his wife’s ambitions, despite the personal toll. One relative stated that Bryon “decided about 20 years ago that it was his calling from God to support her in whatever she decided to do,” and that he has “put up with the humiliation.”

Response to Questioning

During a House hearing last month, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove directly asked Noem about a sexual relationship with Lewandowski. Noem dismissed the question as “tabloid garbage” without explicitly denying the allegation. A relative noted Noem’s inability to deny the claims was telling.

Current Situation

Bryon Noem currently resides in their hometown, where he operates Noem Insurance. Kristi Noem, following threats related to her oversight of ICE’s anti-deportation efforts, moved into the Coast Guard commandant’s house on a military base in Washington, D.C. Lewandowski continues to publicly support Noem following the release of the photos.