Trump replaces Noem as Homeland Security Secretary with Mullin
Trump dismissed Noem as DHS Secretary and confirmed Mullin as successor.
Event / Politics
Kristi Noem Divorce Scandal
Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem divorces her husband following public exposure of his communications with adult entertainers and explicit content sharing.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Jul, 03:59 UTC
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What happened
Bryon Noem contacted fetish model after scandal became public
In May, after the scandal involving his communications with adult entertainers had become public, Bryon Noem allegedly texted dominatrix Shy Sotomayor with the message "I've been a really bad boy." Sotomayor claimed she had a nine-year relationship with Bryon and said she told him he needed to seek professional help.
Kristi Noem fired from Homeland Security Secretary position by President Trump
President Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem from her position as Department of Homeland Security Secretary. Trump acknowledged her good work but appointed her to a new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas. The firing occurred shortly before details of the scandal involving her husband emerged.
Kristi and Bryon Noem were living separately during family event
At a family birthday party after the scandal broke, Corinne Arnold observed that Kristi and Bryon were already living separately, despite appearing cordial at the gathering. Arnold noted Bryon was hugging and holding the children at the event.
Bryon Noem exposed for secret communications with multiple fetish models
Reports revealed that Bryon Noem engaged in hundreds of messages with three women working in the adult entertainment industry. The communications included explicit discussions about physical preferences and Bryon sending money to at least one of these women. He also shared photos of himself dressed in women's clothing with fake breasts.
Kristi Noem's mother confirms daughter is divorcing husband Bryon
Corinne Arnold, mother of former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, confirmed to the Daily Mail that her daughter is divorcing her husband Bryon. Arnold stated she asked Kristi about reconciliation at a family birthday party and Kristi responded: "No. No. We're going to get a divorce." Arnold said Kristi identified a lawyer from Sioux Falls to handle the divorce proceedings.
Markwayne Mullin confirmed as new Homeland Security Secretary
Then-Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) was confirmed as the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary on March 23, replacing Kristi Noem who was reassigned to a different cabinet role.
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Kristi Noem's Marriage Ends Amid Husband's Communications Scandal
Kristi Noem divorcing husband Bryon after his communications with fetish models were exposed.