South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem celebrated the unveiling of a life-sized bronze statue honoring her time as governor on Friday in Pierre. The statue, located on the state Capitol grounds as part of the Trail of Governors, depicts Noem in her characteristic cowgirl pose with her horse, Iceman. The installation was created by sculptor John Lopez.
Noem, who served as governor from 2019 to January 2025 before joining the Trump administration, was accompanied at the ceremony by her mother and grandchildren. She expressed gratitude for the attendees, noting her initial uncertainty about turnout due to busy schedules.
However, two prominent men in Noem's personal life were notably absent from the event: her husband, Bryon Noem, and longtime aide Corey Lewandowski, with whom she was recently photographed. The statue's unveiling occurred days after Noem and Lewandowski were seen together at a restaurant in Wayzata, Minnesota.
The Daily Mail reported that Noem's mother, Corinne Arnold, stated in July that her daughter is seeking a divorce from Bryon Noem, citing his involvement in the