Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, after more than 34 years of marriage. Court records obtained on September 28, 2026, reveal that the 54-year-old official cited irreconcilable differences as the legal grounds to dissolve their union in Hamlin County, South Dakota.
Legal representatives originally signed the complaint on April 6, 2026, though the filing was officially processed and made public months later. In connection with the proceedings, a temporary restraining order prohibiting asset transfers was automatically issued under South Dakota law to protect both parties’ financial holdings during the litigation.
Background of the Marriage and Separation
Kristi and Bryon Noem were high school sweethearts who married on May 23, 1992, in Watertown, South Dakota. Throughout decades of public life-including her time in the U.S. House of Representatives, her tenure as governor, and her federal appointment-Bryon Noem was frequently seen by her side at public events and congressional hearings. Together, the couple raised three children: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker, and have multiple grandchildren.
Speculation surrounding the stability of the marriage intensified earlier in the year following a March publication by the Daily Mail. The tabloid featured photographs, messages, and audio recordings allegedly depicting Bryon Noem wearing women’s clothing and fake breasts while communicating and making financial payments to online adult entertainers.
Following the public disclosure, a spokesperson for Kristi Noem stated that the family was entirely “blindsided” and “devastated” by the allegations. In July, Corinne Arnold, Kristi Noem’s mother, confirmed to reporters that her daughter had made the definitive decision to dissolve the marriage during the spring.
Legal and Public Responses
Attorney Michael K. Sabers, representing Kristi Noem, released a formal statement addressing the legal filings:
“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.”
Bryon Noem’s legal representatives did not immediately offer public comment following the September release of the court documents. The divorce filing adds a significant personal chapter to a tumultuous political year for Kristi Noem, who exited her role as DHS secretary in March following Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, before subsequently being named special envoy to the Trump administration’s “Shield of the Americas” initiative.
Key Details of the Noem Divorce Filing
- Filing Location: Hamlin County, South Dakota
- Filing Date: April 6, 2026 (Made public September 28, 2026)
- Legal Grounds: Irreconcilable differences
- Marriage Duration: Over 34 years (Married May 23, 1992)
- Legal Representation: Michael K. Sabers (for Kristi Noem)
- Immediate Legal Actions: Temporary restraining order on asset transfers
