Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from Bryon Noem after 34 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The petition, filed in Hamlin County and signed by her lawyer on April 6, followed publication of provocative photos of her husband. The move comes amid recent controversy around Noem’s departure from the Department of Homeland Security and public scrutiny over her personal and professional conduct; both parties have issued cautious statements and are reserving further comment for legal proceedings.
Kristi Noem Files for Divorce After 34 Years Amid Controversy Over Husband’s Photos and Her DHS Departure
Kristi Noem with her husband Bryon Noem, right, at a Senate judiciary committee hearing in Washington in March.Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP
Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, ending a 34-year marriage and citing "irreconcilable differences," according to court records filed in Hamlin County, South Dakota.
The divorce petition, described as "for settlement purposes only," was signed by Noem’s attorney, Michael Sabers, on April 6. The filing came shortly after the Daily Mail published photographs showing Bryon Noem wearing an outfit that included inflated fake breasts under a spandex shirt; Noem said at the time she was "devastated" and that "the family have been blindsided by this."
Sabers has confirmed that Noem filed for divorce and said she will reserve further comment for the legal process. Tim Bottum, attorney for Bryon Noem, said his client was "saddened that the marriage is ending" and that his priority is to "protect the family and move forward as loving parents and grandparents."
The split comes amid a turbulent period in Noem’s recent public life. Media reports note the divorce filing followed weeks after she left her role at the Department of Homeland Security; contemporaneous reporting tied her departure to controversy over a taxpayer-funded publicity campaign and to testimony she gave at a congressional hearing. At a March 4 Capitol Hill hearing, a Democratic lawmaker asked Noem under oath whether she had a sexual relationship with aide Corey Lewandowski. Noem, who appeared at the hearing with her husband, dismissed the question as "tabloid garbage" but did not offer a direct denial.
Several outlets have described Noem’s tenure in public office as controversial, including reporting on her comments about protesters and law-enforcement actions that drew criticism. Details in some reports — including specific incidents and personnel changes reported by certain outlets — vary and should be verified with primary sources as the legal and political situations continue to develop.
Noem, 54, and Bryon Noem, 56, were married in 1992 and have three adult children. Both sides have so far issued cautious statements and indicated they will let the legal process proceed.
Help us improve.
