From DHS’ advertising budget to dog killings to the controversy surrounding Noem.
Kristi Noem’s year as Homeland Security Secretary has been one filled with controversy.
Brian Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security and husband of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, has become a hot topic online after a tabloid published an investigation that found him leading a “secret double life.”
The Daily Mail reports that Bryon Noem is cross-dressing. This report has not been independently verified by USA TODAY.
Here’s what we know:
Who is Brian Noem?
Brian Noem, who is married to former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, was fired as DHS secretary on March 5 and later appointed special envoy for the new Shield of the Americas initiative to advance the Trump administration’s national security policy in the Western Hemisphere.
The couple married in 1992 in Watertown, South Dakota, and have three children, Cassidy, Kennedy and Booker, according to the National Governors Association.
Outside of family life, Bryon Noem works in the insurance industry and holds a degree in business finance from Northern State University. He coached basketball and after graduation worked on the Noem family farm before becoming an insurance agent.
What did the Daily Mail report about Bryon Noem?
The Daily Mail reported on March 31 that Bryon Noem paid adult entertainers to cross-dress while role-playing.
The media’s report included messages, audio and photos purporting to show Brian Noem wearing women’s clothing and using props.
USA TODAY has not independently verified the authenticity of images published by the Daily Mail.
How did Noems react?
The New York Post reported that Kristi Noem’s publicist said she was “devastated” by the allegations.
“The family has been blindsided by this and is asking for privacy and prayers at this time,” a spokesperson told the Post.
The Daily Mail reported that when contacted by phone, Bryon Noem did not deny sending the photos or having explicit conversations.
USA TODAY reached out to Kristi Noem for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Why has this become a political issue?
The Daily Mail cited national security experts as saying that Brian Noem’s involvement in the adult entertainment community could potentially be used as leverage against Kristi Noem, which it described as “damaging information.”
The Daily Mail reported that Bryon Noem responded to questions about the allegations, denying that he jeopardized national security or exposed his wife to threats.
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or X @katecperez_.
