Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem files for divorce

Former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is getting divorced, according to South Dakota court filings.

Noem, the former DHS secretary who was fired by President Donald Trump in March, is asking for a divorce from her husband of over 34 years, Bryon Noem.

Prior to serving as secretary, Kristi Noem was the firebrand Republican governor of South Dakota.  

The reason for divorce, according to the filings, was listed as irreconcilable differences.

The complaint for divorce was signed by Kristi Noem’s lawyer in April but was filed with the Hamlin County court on Monday, according to the documents.

As a result of the divorce proceedings, and per South Dakota law, the parties are under a temporary restraining order. 

In her book, Kristi Noem wrote extensively about how the pair were high school sweethearts and how he courted her. The pair have three kids and multiple grandchildren.

Bryon Noem was also frequently seen by her side at congressional testimony and at public facing events.

During her tenure as DHS secretary, Kristi Noem was the subject of congressional inquiries about her relationship with her chief adviser Corey Lewandowski. Noem and Lewandowski have denied anything romantic about their relationship. 

Earlier this year, the Daily Mail tabloid published photos of Bryon Noem wearing what appeared to be women’s clothing and large fake breasts and alleged he had exchanged messages with women online and made payments to some of them. 

In a statement, attorney Michael K. Sabers said: “Kristi Noem has filed for the dissolution of her marriage to Bryon Noem. She has great faith in the South Dakota judicial system and will reserve any further comments for the legal process.”

A lawyer for Bryon Noem said in a statement to News, Bryon is “saddened” the marriage to former Secretary Kristi Noem is ending. 

“If court proceedings become necessary, Bryon will welcome the opportunity to truthfully share his perspective,” Tim Bottum, an attorney for Bryon Noem said. 

Since her ouster as DHS secretary, Kristi Noem was named by Trump to be the special envoy to the “Shield of Americas,” a coalition between the U.S. and governments in Latin America.