Kristi Noem is a Republican politician, rancher, and the current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in Donald Trump’s second term. She is the first woman from South Dakota to hold such a high federal post. Known for her firm stand on immigration, gun rights, and individual freedoms, Kristi built her career from her family farm all the way to Washington, D.C.
Her national profile grew during the COVID-19 pandemic when she refused lockdowns and mandates, gaining both strong support and sharp criticism. Today, she leads the Department of Homeland Security, making headlines with bold border policies and controversial decisions. Alongside politics, Kristi remains tied to her ranching roots and has authored two books, blending personal grit with public life.
Kristi Noem Wiki/Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Kristi Lynn Noem (née Arnold) |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1971 |
| Age | 53 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Politician, Rancher, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security |
| Hometown | Watertown, South Dakota, USA |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. (family ranch in Castlewood, South Dakota) |
| Religion | Protestant (Foursquare Church) |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| @kristinoem |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’6” (168 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (approx.) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
Kristi Noem Early Life
Kristi Noem was born in Watertown, South Dakota on November 30, 1971. She grew up on the family ranch in Hamlin County, where life revolved around cattle, crops, and hard work. She was one of four children, with Norwegian heritage on her father’s side.
In 1994, tragedy struck when her father, Ron Arnold, died in a farm accident. At just 22 years old, Kristi left college to take over the ranch. She and her siblings worked to expand the family business into a hunting lodge and restaurant, showing resilience during tough times.
Her early life also included some public recognition—she was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen in 1990, which gave her confidence in public speaking. In 1992, she married her high school sweetheart Bryon Noem, and the couple soon began raising their family while managing ranch responsibilities.
Kristi Noem Education
Kristi’s education journey was non-traditional. She studied at Northern State University from 1990 to 1994 but had to stop after her father’s death. Later, she continued taking classes at Mount Marty College in Watertown and South Dakota State University.
Balancing political work and ranch life, Kristi eventually completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at SDSU in 2011, while serving as a member of Congress. For her, it was about finishing what she started and proving that practical experience and persistence matter as much as formal learning.
Kristi Noem Family Details
Family has always been central to Kristi’s life. Her parents, Ron and Corinne Arnold, raised four children in South Dakota. After her father’s passing, Kristi and her siblings stepped in to preserve the family ranching legacy.
She has been married to Bryon Noem since 1992. Bryon is a businessman and insurance agent, and together they have three children: daughters Kassidy and Kennedy, and son Booker. The family continues to maintain close ties to their Racota Valley Ranch near Castlewood, South Dakota. Faith is also important to them, and they attend a Foursquare Church in Watertown.
| Attribute | Details |
| Father | Ron Arnold (farmer, deceased 1994) |
| Mother | Corinne Arnold |
| Marital Status | Married to Bryon Noem (since 1992) |
| Children | Kassidy, Kennedy, Booker |
Kristi Noem Career
Kristi’s political career began at the state level. She was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006, serving until 2010. Her focus was on tax reforms and budget control.
In 2010, she entered national politics by winning South Dakota’s at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating an incumbent. She served there until 2018, working on the Agriculture Committee and shaping farm policy.
Her next big step came in 2018, when she became South Dakota’s first female governor, later reelected in 2022. During her tenure, she rejected COVID restrictions, signed strict abortion laws, and promoted gun rights, earning her strong conservative support.
In late 2024, Donald Trump nominated her to be the Secretary of Homeland Security. Confirmed in January 2025, she resigned as governor to take on the new role. At DHS, she has focused on immigration enforcement, deploying National Guard troops to the border, and canceling protections for migrants from several countries.
She is also a published author, with two books: Not My First Rodeo (2022) and No Going Back (2024).
| Milestone | Details |
| Political Start | South Dakota House (2007–2011) |
| U.S. Congress | At-large Representative (2011–2019) |
| Governor | South Dakota Governor (2019–2025) |
| Current Role | U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (2025–present) |
Controversies
Kristi Noem has often been in the spotlight for controversial reasons. Her 2024 memoir No Going Back drew backlash after she described euthanizing her 14-month-old dog, which critics called cruel. The book also included false claims about meeting leaders such as Kim Jong Un.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, her decision against lockdowns and mask mandates led to one of the nation’s highest per-capita death rates, sparking criticism. Other disputes include her clashes with Native American tribes, her aggressive immigration policies at DHS, and a database scandal in 2025 involving immigrants’ Social Security records.
Rumors about her personal life, including an alleged affair with Corey Lewandowski, made headlines, though she strongly denied them. Despite controversies, her political career has remained strong, especially among conservative supporters.