Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from her husband of 34 years, Bryon Noem, according to court records that became public this week. The complaint, filed in Hamlin County, South Dakota, cites "irreconcilable differences" as the grounds for ending the marriage. Kristi Noem, 54, and Bryon Noem, 56, married in May 1992 and have three adult children.
The filing was signed by Noem’s attorney, Michael Sabers, on April 6, 2026. This occurred shortly after the publication of photos showing Bryon Noem wearing inflated fake breasts, which Kristi Noem stated at the time had "blindsided" the family. Noem's tenure as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lasted from January 2025 until March 2026.
During her time at DHS, Noem faced public questions regarding her relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a department adviser and former campaign manager for President Donald Trump. On March 4, 2026, a member of Congress asked Noem under oath if she had entered into a sexual relationship with Lewandowski. Noem characterized the allegation as "tabloid garbage" but did not issue a direct denial. She was removed from her cabinet post the following day, March 5, 2026.
The case involves the two named parties and their three children. As this is a personal legal matter, there is no direct reported impact on taxpayer paychecks or federal worker salaries. However, the circumstances leading to Noem's departure from DHS—including her testimony regarding taxpayer-funded publicity campaigns—continue to be subjects of public interest.
Following her departure from DHS, Noem was named a special envoy for The Shield of the Americas initiative. The resolution of this divorce will proceed through the South Dakota judicial system. While a statement from Kristi Noem’s attorney noted that she would reserve further comments for the legal process, lawyers for Bryon Noem have not yet issued a public response.