Kristi Noem, the former homeland security secretary under Donald Trump, has filed for divorce from her husband of 34 years, Bryon Noem, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing, made in Hamlin County, South Dakota, marks the end of a long marriage that has been under intense public scrutiny in recent months.
Background on Kristi Noem and Bryon Noem
Kristi Noem served as the governor of South Dakota before joining the Trump administration as homeland security secretary. She was fired by Trump after a tumultuous tenure. Her husband, Bryon Noem, has largely stayed out of the spotlight until recently, when photos surfaced of him wearing inflated fake breasts under a spandex shirt, which Noem said left her "devastated" and blindsided the family.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Divorce Filing
- March 4: During a Capitol Hill hearing, Representative Jared Huffman asked Noem under oath if she had sexual relations with her aide, Corey Lewandowski. Noem dismissed it as "tabloid garbage" but did not deny it.
- March 5: Noem was fired by Trump, reportedly due to his anger over her answers.
- Late March: The Daily Mail published photos of Bryon Noem in the spandex shirt.
- April 6: Noem's lawyer, Michael Sabers, signed the divorce document.
- This week: The divorce papers were officially filed in court.
Details of the Divorce Filing
The divorce claim, filed "for settlement purposes only," was disclosed in court records in Hamlin County, South Dakota. The document was signed by Noem's lawyer, Michael Sabers, on April 6, just over a week after the Daily Mail published the controversial photos of her husband. According to the New York Times, the papers were only filed in court this week.
Comparison of High-Profile Divorces
| Case | Duration of Marriage | Reason Cited | Public Scrutiny Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristi Noem & Bryon Noem | 34 years | Irreconcilable differences | High |
| Bill & Melinda Gates | 27 years | Irreconcilable differences | Very High |
| Jeff & MacKenzie Bezos | 25 years | Irreconcilable differences | Very High |
Key Takeaways
- Kristi Noem filed for divorce from Bryon Noem after 34 years of marriage.
- The filing cites irreconcilable differences and was made in Hamlin County, South Dakota.
- The divorce comes amid rumors of an affair with aide Corey Lewandowski and controversial photos of Bryon Noem.
- Noem was fired from her homeland security role shortly before the divorce filing.
FAQ
Why did Kristi Noem file for divorce?
Kristi Noem cited irreconcilable differences in her divorce filing from Bryon Noem.
When did Kristi Noem file for divorce?
The divorce document was signed on April 6 and officially filed in court this week.
What is the status of Kristi Noem's marriage?
The marriage is ending after 34 years, with divorce proceedings now underway in South Dakota.
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