Former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, ending a marriage that lasted more than three decades. The divorce filing became public in late September 2026, drawing widespread attention because of the couple’s long family history and a series of controversies involving the former Cabinet official earlier this year.
According to court records reported by the Associated Press, Kristi Noem cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for seeking to end the marriage. The couple married in May 1992 and have three children together. The petition was submitted in South Dakota and later became publicly available.
The divorce news comes during a turbulent period for Noem, who was removed from her position as Homeland Security secretary by President Donald Trump in March 2026. She has since been appointed to a diplomatic role connected to the administration’s Shield of the Americas initiative.
Although the divorce has prompted speculation about the circumstances behind the split, the stated legal ground is irreconcilable differences. The filing does not, by itself, establish a single cause for the end of the marriage.
Kristi Noem Divorce Filing: What We Know
Court records indicate that Noem sought to dissolve her marriage to Bryon Noem in Hamlin County, South Dakota. Her attorney, Michael Sabers, confirmed the filing and said she would reserve further comments for the legal process.
The Associated Press reported that the paperwork was submitted in April 2026 but was posted online in late September. This distinction helps explain why the divorce became a major news story months after the legal process had reportedly begun.
Here are the key reported details:
| Detail | Information |
| Person filing for divorce | Kristi Noem |
| Spouse | Bryon Noem |
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Hamlin County |
| Stated reason | Irreconcilable differences |
| Marriage date | May 1992 |
| Children | Three |
| Public disclosure | Late September 2026 |
| Attorney for Kristi Noem | Michael Sabers |
The filing marks a significant personal development for Noem, whose marriage had long been part of her public biography.
Why Is Kristi Noem Getting Divorced?
The divorce petition cites irreconcilable differences, a common legal phrase used to describe a breakdown in a marriage. However, the phrase does not explain the private circumstances that led to the decision.
The filing became public amid renewed scrutiny of the couple’s personal lives. Earlier in 2026, media reports raised questions about Bryon Noem’s alleged participation in online fetish communities and published photographs purportedly showing him wearing women’s clothing and exaggerated artificial breasts.
A spokesperson for Kristi Noem previously said the family had been blindsided by the reports and was devastated by the allegations. The family also requested privacy. The reports and the family’s response received extensive coverage in March 2026.
The timing of the divorce disclosure led to questions about whether the controversy contributed to the separation. However, the existence of media reports does not establish the full reasons for the divorce, and the petition’s stated ground should not be expanded into an unverified explanation.
The couple’s private reasons for ending their marriage remain a matter that should be treated cautiously unless supported by verified statements or court records.
Who Is Bryon Noem?
Bryon Noem is Kristi Noem’s husband of more than 34 years and the father of their three children. Unlike his wife, he has generally maintained a lower public profile.
The couple met while they were teenagers and married in 1992. During their family life, Bryon worked on the Noem family farm before moving into the insurance industry.
According to biographical information reported by People and other outlets, he later worked in insurance management and established Noem Insurance after purchasing an insurance agency. He also supported his wife’s political career over the years.
Bryon occasionally appeared alongside Kristi at public and political events, including congressional hearings during her tenure as Homeland Security secretary.
His name became more widely discussed in 2026 following media reports about his alleged online activities. Those reports were followed by renewed attention to the couple’s marriage and, eventually, the public disclosure of the divorce proceedings.
Kristi and Bryon Noem’s Marriage History
Kristi and Bryon Noem’s relationship stretches back to their school years. Their marriage began well before Kristi entered national politics, and the couple built a family while she pursued a career in public service.
1992: The Couple Gets Married
Kristi and Bryon Noem married in May 1992 in South Dakota. Their relationship began during their teenage years, making them long-time partners before she became a prominent political figure.
Raising Three Children
The couple have three children: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker. Their family life remained an important part of Kristi Noem’s public image throughout her political career.
The family also has grandchildren, and Bryon’s attorney later emphasized the importance of protecting family relationships during the divorce process.
Kristi Noem’s Rise in Politics
Noem’s political career expanded over several years. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives from South Dakota before becoming the state’s governor in 2019.
Her tenure as governor lasted until 2025, when President Trump selected her to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Throughout these years, Bryon remained connected to her personal and political life, although he did not occupy the same public-facing role.
2025–2026: National Attention and Family Scrutiny
Noem became a nationally prominent figure as Homeland Security secretary, overseeing immigration enforcement and other major departmental responsibilities.
In 2026, her professional and personal life attracted additional scrutiny. Allegations about her relationship with senior Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski were raised publicly, while separate reports concerned her husband’s alleged online activities.
Noem denied the allegations concerning Lewandowski, dismissing them as “tabloid garbage” during congressional questioning. The allegations were not established as fact, and both issues should be distinguished from the legal ground stated in the divorce petition.
Kristi Noem’s Controversial Tenure at Homeland Security
The divorce filing has also drawn attention because it follows a difficult period in Noem’s political career.
President Trump appointed Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in January 2025. Her responsibilities included overseeing immigration enforcement, border security, disaster response, and other major federal functions.
Her tenure became controversial over the administration’s immigration operations and the department’s handling of several high-profile incidents.
In particular, the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis in January 2026 prompted intense scrutiny of the department’s response. Noem also faced questions about departmental spending and her public statements concerning the incidents.
Trump removed Noem from the Cabinet in March 2026 and nominated Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her. Noem was subsequently given a role as special envoy for the administration’s Shield of the Americas initiative.
These political developments form part of the wider context surrounding the divorce news, but they do not independently establish why the marriage ended.
What Has Kristi Noem Said About the Divorce?
Noem’s attorney, Michael Sabers, confirmed that she had filed for divorce and said she would reserve further comments for the legal process.
The statement did not provide a detailed explanation of the couple’s private circumstances or identify a specific event as the reason for the separation.
Noem has also previously faced questions about her personal life during her public service. During a congressional hearing in March 2026, lawmakers questioned her about allegations involving Corey Lewandowski. She denied the allegations, calling them “tabloid garbage.”
It is important not to treat those allegations as proven or assume that they explain the divorce. The public record establishes that Noem filed for divorce and cited irreconcilable differences, but the couple’s complete private motivations are not established by that information alone.
What Has Bryon Noem Said?
Bryon Noem’s attorney, Tim Bottum, responded to the divorce news by saying his client was saddened that the marriage was ending.
According to the Associated Press, Bottum also indicated that Bryon hoped for a private and amicable resolution. His stated priority was to protect the family and continue moving forward as a parent and grandparent.
The attorney added that Bryon would welcome the opportunity to share his perspective truthfully if court proceedings became necessary.
The response suggests that Bryon wishes to handle the separation without unnecessary public conflict. However, it does not establish that every issue in the divorce has been resolved or that the parties have reached a final agreement.
What Happens Next in the Divorce Case?
The divorce proceedings will continue through the South Dakota court system. The final outcome may depend on the couple’s agreements concerning financial matters, property, and any other issues that require resolution.
Potential next steps in a divorce case can include:
- Financial disclosures and the identification of marital assets and obligations.
- Negotiations over property division and other financial arrangements.
- Settlement discussions between the parties and their attorneys.
- Court hearings if disagreements cannot be resolved privately.
- Final court approval of the divorce and any required orders.
Because the Noems have three children, questions about family relationships and privacy may remain important even as the legal process advances. Public reporting has not established that a contested custody dispute is underway, so it would be premature to assume that the divorce will involve one.
The couple’s attorneys have indicated a preference for privacy and an amicable resolution. Whether they can settle all outstanding matters without further litigation remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Kristi Noem file for divorce from Bryon Noem?
Yes. Court records confirm that Kristi Noem sought to end her marriage to Bryon Noem in South Dakota. The filing became public in late September 2026.
How long were Kristi and Bryon Noem married?
They married in May 1992 and had been married for more than 34 years when the divorce became public.
What reason did Kristi Noem give for the divorce?
The petition cites irreconcilable differences. It does not establish one specific incident as the definitive reason for the separation.
How many children do Kristi and Bryon Noem have?
They have three children: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker. The family also has grandchildren.
Did the divorce filing follow reports about Bryon Noem?
Yes. The filing became public several months after media reports concerning Bryon’s alleged online activities attracted attention. However, the timing alone does not establish that those reports were the sole cause of the divorce.
Did Kristi Noem have an alleged relationship with Corey Lewandowski?
Allegations concerning Noem and senior Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski received public attention in 2026. Noem denied the allegations, calling them “tabloid garbage.” They should not be presented as established fact or as a confirmed reason for the divorce.
Is Kristi Noem still the Homeland Security secretary?
No. President Trump removed her from the position in March 2026 and nominated Markwayne Mullin to replace her. Noem subsequently received a special envoy role connected to the administration’s Shield of the Americas initiative.
Has the divorce been finalized?
The reporting available when the filing became public confirmed that divorce proceedings had been initiated. A filing alone does not establish that a divorce has been finalized.
Conclusion
Kristi Noem’s divorce filing marks the end of a marriage that began in 1992 and lasted more than three decades. The former Homeland Security secretary cited irreconcilable differences in seeking to end her marriage to Bryon Noem, with the filing becoming public during a period of intense scrutiny of her political and personal life.
The news follows controversies involving her leadership at the Department of Homeland Security and separate media reports about the couple’s private lives. However, the confirmed legal ground for the divorce remains irreconcilable differences, and the full reasons behind the split have not been established publicly.
Bryon’s attorney has expressed sadness about the end of the marriage and a preference for a private, amicable resolution. As the case proceeds, further information may clarify how the couple intends to resolve their remaining legal and financial matters.
For now, the confirmed development is the divorce filing itself. Any claims about the couple’s private motivations should be treated carefully unless supported by verified statements or court records.