What Happened to Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem?
Kristi Noem is an American Republican politician who served as the 33rd Governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025. She then served as the eighth United States Secretary of Homeland Security from January 2025 until her controversial firing by President Donald Trump on March 5, 2026. As of March 31, 2026, she holds the newly created position of Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.
Quick Answer
Kristi Noem's political career saw her rise from the South Dakota House of Representatives to the U.S. House, then as the first female Governor of South Dakota. In January 2025, she was appointed Secretary of Homeland Security in the second Trump administration, a role marked by aggressive immigration policies and several controversies, including her memoir's revelations and alleged misuse of funds. She was fired from DHS by President Trump on March 5, 2026, and subsequently appointed as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a position she currently holds as of March 31, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in Watertown, South Dakota
Kristi Lynn Arnold was born in Watertown, South Dakota, and grew up on her family's farm and ranch.
Elected to South Dakota House of Representatives
Noem began her political career by being elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives, serving two terms.
Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
Noem won election to South Dakota's at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving four terms until 2019.
Elected Governor of South Dakota
Kristi Noem became the first woman elected Governor of South Dakota, taking office in January 2019.
Gains national attention for COVID-19 response
Noem gained national prominence for her opposition to statewide mask mandates and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for personal responsibility.
Re-elected Governor of South Dakota
Noem was re-elected for a second term as Governor, defeating her Democratic opponent with 62% of the vote.
Controversy over memoir 'No Going Back'
Her autobiography sparked controversy for an anecdote about killing her family dog and false claims about meeting foreign leaders, leading to canceled book tour interviews.
Banned by multiple South Dakota tribes
Several South Dakota tribal nations banned Noem from their lands following comments she made about tribal leaders benefiting from drug cartels.
Nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security
President-elect Donald Trump announced his selection of Kristi Noem to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security in his second administration.
Sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security
Noem was confirmed by the Senate with a 59-34 vote and officially sworn in as the eighth U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Faces protests during Minnesota ICE briefing
Secretary Noem visited Minneapolis for an ICE briefing, where she faced protests regarding the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
Defends federal agents in Minneapolis killings
Noem defended federal agents after they killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, calling the victims 'domestic terrorists,' a statement that drew widespread criticism.
Testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee
Noem appeared before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary amid reports of an alleged relationship with Corey Lewandowski and misuse of government funds.
Fired as DHS Secretary by President Trump
President Donald Trump announced Noem's removal from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security, making her the first cabinet member fired in his second term.
Appointed Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas
Immediately following her firing from DHS, President Trump appointed Noem to the newly created role of Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.
DHS staff celebrate removal of her photos
Employees at the Department of Homeland Security celebrated the removal of Kristi Noem's 'glamor shots' from the agency's headquarters after her departure.
Corey Lewandowski departs DHS
Corey Lewandowski, who served as an unpaid adviser to Noem and was linked to controversies during her DHS tenure, no longer works at the Department of Homeland Security.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kristi Noem's political journey began in her home state of South Dakota, where she served in the State House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. She then moved to national politics, representing South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, where she focused on agricultural issues and served on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
In 2018, Noem successfully ran for Governor of South Dakota, becoming the first woman to hold the office. Her tenure as governor, from 2019 to January 2025, gained national attention for her conservative stances, particularly her opposition to statewide mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for personal responsibility instead of government intervention. She was re-elected in 2022, securing a record number of votes for a gubernatorial candidate in South Dakota.
Following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, Noem was nominated to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. She was confirmed by the Senate on January 25, 2025, and assumed office, becoming the first South Dakotan to lead the department. Her time at DHS was characterized by a strong focus on border security and aggressive immigration enforcement, including mass deportations and the detention of individuals at Guantanamo Bay. She also faced significant criticism for her handling of various issues, including her 2024 memoir, 'No Going Back,' which contained a controversial anecdote about killing her family dog and false claims about meeting foreign leaders.
Further controversies during her DHS tenure included allegations of misusing government funds for television advertisements and private luxury jets, a rumored relationship with subordinate Corey Lewandowski, and her defense of federal agents in the controversial killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January 2026. These incidents led to calls for her resignation and impeachment proceedings. On March 5, 2026, President Trump announced her removal from the Department of Homeland Security, making her the first cabinet member fired in his second administration. Immediately after her firing, Trump appointed her as the Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a newly established position focused on security initiatives in the Western Hemisphere. As of March 31, 2026, Noem is serving in this new role, while her former aide, Corey Lewandowski, has also departed DHS.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem made different choices?