She gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for opposing statewide mask mandates in favor of voluntary measures. Noem has conservative positions on most domestic issues, particularly gun rights, abortion, and immigration.
In January 2026, Noem defended the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal ICE agents, before any investigation, which led some lawmakers to call for her resignation or impeachment.[5] In March 2026, Noem appeared before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary after reports emerged of her alleged relationship with her subordinate, Corey Lewandowski, and of her misuse of government funds on television advertisements and private luxury jets, as well as inappropriate use of U.S. Coast Guard assets and housing.
Her testimony before the committee intensified criticism from Congress. After the congressional hearing, Trump announced his decision to remove Noem from DHS.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_Noem
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/06/us/markwayne-mullin-trump-oklahoma.html