Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota and Donald Trump’s newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, certainly doesn’t lead a dull life. Her story revolves around political ambition, family values, and, well, a few eyebrow-raising anecdotes.
Married to Bryon Noem for over 30 years, Kristi’s personal life has been a topic of curiosity for many, not just because of their seemingly wholesome small-town roots but also due to the complicated twists that have come with her political rise. From high school sweethearts to the stormy waters of political life, the Noems’ marriage is as complex as it is enduring.
The Family Behind Kristi Noem: Meet Her Husband, Bryon, and Their Three Kids
Kristi Noem is married to her husband, Bryon Noem, her high school sweetheart, and they tied the knot in 1992 when she was 20 and a student at South Dakota State University. Together, they share three children: two daughters, Kassidy Noem Peters and Kennedy Noem, and a son Booker Noem, as well as a granddaughter, Adeline “Addie” West Peters, who Kassidy and her spouse, Kyle Peters, welcomed in June 2021. Noem shared in an Instagram post in August 2024 that she has three grandchildren and one more is on the way.
Bryon Noem isn’t just “the husband of Kristi Noem.” Born and raised in rural South Dakota, Bryon personifies the rugged, self-reliant ethos of the Great Plains. His childhood in a small, tightly-knit farming community shaped his values—values he carried into adulthood as he built a life with Kristi. The two met in high school, back when Kristi dreamt of being a farmer and rancher, a goal she achieved alongside her meteoric rise in Republican politics.
Married in 1992, they’ve since shared more than three decades of life, raising three children—Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker—and juggling family responsibilities with the demands of running businesses like an insurance agency, a hunting lodge, and even an ice cream shop. Their life story reads like the opening chapter of a Hallmark movie. But as the years went by, life added a few unexpected plot twists.
As South Dakota’s first elected female governor, Kristi has been a trailblazer since she took office in 2019. Before that, she spent eight years representing South Dakota’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives and four years in the state legislature. Her star power in the GOP only grew under Donald Trump’s presidency, culminating in her recent appointment as Secretary of Homeland Security. Yet, the higher she’s climbed, the more attention her personal life has attracted.
From persistent rumors about an affair with Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s former campaign manager, to questions about how much time she actually spends in South Dakota versus Washington, Kristi’s marriage to Bryon has faced public scrutiny. The alleged affair became particularly sensational when eyewitnesses reported seeing Kristi and Lewandowski acting “absurdly blatant” in a hotel lobby in Orlando. Kristi dismissed the allegations in a now-deleted tweet, calling them “total garbage” and a “disgusting lie.” Meanwhile, Bryon has remained conspicuously silent, fueling speculation about the state of their marriage.
Interestingly, Bryon has carved out his own role as South Dakota’s “First Gentleman.” Rather than focusing on political affairs, he champions the small towns of South Dakota, bringing to light their unique stories and cultural value. Bryon often reflects on the struggles of rural communities, pointing out that while South Dakota’s population has grown by over 100,000 since 2000, many small towns are shrinking. Class sizes are dwindling, businesses are closing, and fewer young people are returning home to farm or ranch. His mission is to preserve South Dakota’s rural heritage, which he sees as one of the state’s greatest treasures.
DHS Secretary-designate @KristiNoem says her top priority will be “to make sure that our nation is a nation with borders or we’re no nation at all” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z3Yu3Hmw0y
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 17, 2025
Through community engagement and storytelling, Bryon hopes to remind people—both inside and outside the state—why small-town life is worth celebrating. It’s a noble cause, and one that provides a sharp contrast to the chaotic, high-stakes world Kristi navigates as a national political figure.
Inside Kristi Noem’s Family Life: What We Know About Her Kids and Farm Stories
Kristi Noem and her husband Bryon Noem’s three children—Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker—have largely stayed out of the spotlight, a conscious choice by Kristi to protect their privacy. However, Kassidy, who married agribusiness consultant Kyle Peters, was at the center of a political controversy in 2021 involving allegations that Kristi Noem used her office to influence her daughter’s real estate appraiser licensing process.
While Kristi occasionally shares glimpses of her kids’ lives on social media, her public persona has always revolved more around her work and values than her role as a mother. However, family life on the Noem farm has sparked controversy too.
Kristi Noem’s 2022 memoir revealed that she once shot and took the life of the family dog, Cricket, because it was “untrainable” and “dangerous.” She also recounted eliminating a goat for similar reasons. These anecdotes, intended to illustrate her rural grit, drew widespread criticism and became fodder for late-night talk shows. While Bryon later defended her decision, calling it a necessary part of farm life, the episode painted a rather unusual picture of life on the Noem ranch.
Bryon’s role as the family anchor is evident in Kristi’s own words. In a guest post for the South Dakota State News, she praised him for handling the household chores and farm responsibilities during her frequent absences. “I am gone a lot, and he is left to handle all things related to kids, ranch, and house,” she wrote. While the sentiment was undoubtedly heartfelt, it’s hard to ignore the juxtaposition between Bryon’s quiet life of hard work and Kristi’s high-octane political career. One can’t help but wonder how the couple navigates the growing gap between their worlds.
Adding to the complexity is Kristi’s close relationship with Donald Trump. From gifting him a personalized Mount Rushmore sculpture to rumors of her vying for the vice-presidential slot in 2020, Kristi’s ties to the former president have raised eyebrows. Trump once joked about wanting his face carved into Mount Rushmore—a comment Kristi later amplified by presenting him with a replica featuring his visage. This cozy relationship has only fueled speculation about Kristi’s long-term political ambitions, with some wondering if her loyalty to Trump has created yet another layer of tension in her marriage.
Senator Blumenthal, with a straight face, asked Kristi Noem if she would stop President Trump from denying disaster relief based on politics. This is from the party who is FEMA agent skipped over houses affected by the hurricane in North Carolina because they had Trump signs… pic.twitter.com/VEpI8WdEVS
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) January 17, 2025
Despite all the drama, Bryon continues to publicly support Kristi. In May 2024, he posted a heartfelt anniversary message on Instagram, calling her his “favorite gal” and reflecting on their 32 years of marriage. The post featured a carousel of photos, showcasing moments from their life together, a subtle reminder that whatever challenges they face, they’re still a team.
