Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, did not attend the White House Easter Egg Roll amid headlines about her husband. The Daily Mail alleges Bryon Noem used the alias "Jason Jackson" to post images portraying himself with simulated breasts and to engage with adult performers; these claims remain unverified. President Trump said he was surprised the family had confirmed the report and expressed sympathy. Noem’s team says she is "devastated" and has requested privacy.
Kristi Noem Absent From White House Easter Egg Roll Amid Husband’s Alleged Online Scandal
Elizabeth Frantz / REUTERS(Elizabeth Frantz)
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn went on Monday without one prominent figure: Kristi Noem. Several Trump-aligned personalities — including Jeanine Pirro, Stephen Miller and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz — were in attendance, but Noem did not appear.
President Donald Trump at the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 6, 2026, in Washington, DC. / Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
According to a Daily Mail report, Noem’s husband, Bryon Noem, allegedly operated under the online alias "Jason Jackson," sharing photos that portrayed him with simulated breasts and tight clothing and reportedly paying adult performers. The outlet published images it says depict Bryon in costume and lingerie-style shorts. These claims remain allegations reported by the Daily Mail and have not been independently verified by other outlets at this time.
Jeanine Pirro attends the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
Background and context. Kristi Noem is the former governor of South Dakota. Some reports have linked her publicly to a longtime personal association with former Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski; those reports are reported allegations and remain unconfirmed. Coverage also indicates Noem has been discussed in connection with a naming to a White House-related envoy role; however, independent confirmation of any official appointment or its duties is limited in available reporting.
Trump gave a speech alongside Melania and the Easter Bunny. / Evan Vucci / REUTERS
After the Daily Mail story surfaced, President Trump was quoted as saying he was surprised that the family had confirmed the account and expressed sympathy. "They confirmed it? Wow, well, I feel badly for the family if that's the case," he told the outlet. "I haven’t seen anything. I don’t know anything about it. That’s too bad, but I just know nothing about it," he added.
The bombshell report made waves. / Daily Mail
It is not publicly clear whether Noem received an invitation to the Egg Roll or whether she was invited and chose not to attend. Her current public whereabouts were not confirmed in reporting at the time.
In the past month, Trump fired Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. / Jonathan Ernst / REUTERS
Other absences and aftermath. Media reports also noted the absence of Pam Bondi, who has served in various legal and political roles and was reported by some outlets to have been dismissed from a White House-related position earlier in the week. Details about Bondi’s status and the timing of her departure vary between reports.
Noem’s representatives told the New York Post that "Ms. Noem is devastated. The family was blindsided by this, and they asked for privacy and prayers at the time." The Daily Beast has reached out to Noem’s representatives for comment.
Note: Several aspects of this story are based on reporting from the Daily Mail and other outlets; some claims remain unconfirmed. Where possible, this report clarifies the distinction between allegation and established fact.
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