SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from her husband of 34 years, Bryon Noem, in their home state of South Dakota. The filing, made in April but made publicly available this week, cites “irreconcilable differences” as the grounds for the separation. The couple married in May 1992 and have three children.

Noem, who served as South Dakota’s governor before being appointed to lead President Donald Trump’s immigration policies from January 2025 to March 2026, submitted the divorce petition in Hamlin County. Her attorney confirmed the filing but declined to provide further comment, indicating the matter would be addressed through legal channels. Bryon Noem’s legal representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The divorce filing follows a period of heightened scrutiny surrounding Kristi Noem’s tenure in the Trump administration. In March 2026, Noem was removed from her role as Homeland Security Secretary amid controversy, including an alleged extramarital affair with Corey Lewandowski, a special government employee and one of her top advisors. Lewandowski, known for managing Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, reportedly played a significant role within Noem’s department despite constraints on his official work schedule. Noem has denied any affair, describing the allegations as “tabloid garbage.”

Noem’s departure from the Cabinet came as questions mounted over her conduct, especially after the deaths of two protesters—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—in Minneapolis during confrontations with immigration officers. Noem’s characterization of the individuals involved, labeling them as aggressors, contrasted with video evidence and eyewitness accounts, drawing criticism from both political opponents and members of her own party. Additionally, she faced scrutiny over her department’s spending practices.

In the aftermath of her ouster, President Trump nominated Markwayne Mullin, then a U.S. senator from Oklahoma, to succeed her as Homeland Security Secretary. Noem was subsequently appointed as a special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a new regional security initiative.

The developments in Noem’s personal life come at a time of significant transition following a contentious period in her political and administrative career.