Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her husband, Brian Noem, reportedly accumulated millions in debt before rising to national prominence. Last month, President Donald Trump fired the 33rd governor of South Dakota after the devastating Operation Metro Surge-ICE crackdown in Minneapolis that left two US citizens dead. According to the New York Times, federal financial disclosures filed by the fired secretary show the couple listed debts ranging from $2.6 million to $3.25 million as of 2020.
The debt was collected from six loans, five of which were taken out between 2015 and 2022 to support Brianna Noem’s insurance and car wash businesses. Noem was initially considered a top contender for Donald Trump’s vice presidential nomination after serving as a rancher, congresswoman, and governor of South Dakota.
His reputation took a major blow after it was revealed in his 2024 memoir, No Going Back, that he had shot his own puppy – an anecdote that provoked a widespread public reaction. Despite the memoir scandal, he was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security. However, his 13-month tenure ended in disaster after a violent crackdown on illegal immigration. Opposition to ICE operations in Democrat-led cities reached a crescendo when federal agents shot and killed two protesters in Minneapolis.
Noem falsely labeled the victims as “domestic terrorists”, refusing to apologize even after video evidence refuted her claims. Facing continued chaos and presidential ire, White was ousted from DHS on March 5 and demoted to special envoy for America’s Shield.
According to the report of wall street journalNoem and her advisor, Corey Lewandowski, had an alleged extramarital affair; Both sides denied the claims. The Daily Mail revealed Brian Noem’s involvement in an elite fetish scene, alleging that she sent thousands of dollars to sex workers and shared incriminating photos of herself. While Noem reportedly felt betrayed by the President, DHS staff were described as “crying with joy” at her departure. Former Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin was sworn in immediately to assume his role at the Department of Homeland Security.
