Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has begun divorce proceedings against her husband, Bryon Noem, after 34 years of marriage. Her mother, Corinne Arnold, confirmed the news, stating that the scandal involving Bryon’s online activities proved to be the final blow to their relationship. Bryon Noem has reportedly moved out of their home.
Arnold shared details of the situation in an interview with the Daily Mail, recounting an awkward family birthday party in late spring where both Kristi and Bryon were present shortly after the news of his online life broke. She described Bryon as appearing like his old self at the party, interacting with the grandchildren. It was at this event that Kristi confirmed to her mother that they were divorcing.
Revelations about Bryon Noem's involvement in the online “bimbofication” scene emerged in March. The Daily Mail reported that he had participated in online activities involving fetish models, sending compromising pictures of himself and expressing interest in exaggerated physical attributes. This behavior, according to national security experts consulted by the outlet, could have potentially left Kristi Noem vulnerable to blackmail.
Kristi Noem, who was removed as Homeland Security Secretary by President Trump in March, had also faced scrutiny over an alleged affair with senior aide Corey Lewandowski. She was reassigned to lead a smaller agency within the State Department and reportedly expressed feeling blindsided and devastated by the news about her husband, appealing for privacy.
Arnold stated that the decision to divorce was not made lightly, acknowledging that her daughter takes significant decisions over time. She expressed sadness over the impending divorce, noting Bryon's long-standing presence in their family and his bond with their grandchildren. The couple met in high school and married in 1992, raising three adult children: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker.
Bryon Noem, 56, has been living separately, approximately 20 miles away, while continuing to run his insurance agency. Kristi Noem, 54, has faced separate scrutiny regarding her relationship with Corey Lewandowski, which both have denied, with Arnold dismissing allegations of an affair as "a bunch of crap."