Kristi Noem’s nomination as Homeland Security Secretary sparked immediate doubts about her qualifications and longevity. Her departure after 13 months—the first Cabinet-level exit of Trump’s second term—highlighted the predictable consequences of controversial appointments in Trump’s administration.
Alleged corruption around Kristi Noem is broad, spanning her time as Governor of South Dakota and as Homeland Security Secretary. The main focus is on cronyism—using public funds to benefit family and allies—and misuse of government resources for personal branding.
While Governor, Sherry Bren, the former longtime director of the South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program, provided the most damning testimony, accusing Noem of abusing her power to help her daughter, Kassidy Peters, obtain a real estate appraiser license.
Noem later faced backlash for spending nearly $70,000 in taxpayer funds on upgrades to the South Dakota Governor’s Mansion, including a sauna and expensive rugs. Additionally, Noem’s family’s ranching business received over $600,000 in pandemic relief funds—funds enabled by her administration’s raising of the cap on the amount a single business could receive.
In South Dakota, the Government Accountability Board (GAB) investigated Noem for using a state plane to attend political events hosted by the NRA and the Republican Jewish Coalition, which state law prohibits. Following the GAB’s findings, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) launched a criminal probe, escalating the case from ethics violations to possible criminal prosecution. Mark Vargo, the Attorney General Noem appointed, recused himself over a conflict of interest and appointed Jessica LaMie to oversee the DCI investigation. As expected, LaMie declined to file charges, ending the case without prosecution.
A 2025 ProPublica report alleged that Noem secretly accepted $80,000 from the American Resolve Policy Fund while she was governor. She reportedly failed to disclose this income on federal ethics forms.
Throughout her career, Noem has faced scrutiny for treating government assets as personal property. As DHS Secretary, Taxpayers for Common Sense criticized her purchase of two Gulfstream G700 jets for $172 million during a government shutdown, heightening concerns about timing and excess. She allegedly used a “luxury 737 Max” with a private cabin for domestic travel with Corey Lewandowski, reinforcing perceptions of the misuse of public resources.
During her final months as Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Noem was accused of systematically obstructing the agency’s Inspector General in connection with an investigation into airport security. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley questioned her about allegations that she issued a memorandum at that time, purportedly prohibiting the Inspector General from communicating with Congress about a classified report detailing airport security failures.
Ultimately, her ouster highlighted a central dynamic: survival in Trump’s circle hinges not simply on ethics or performance, but on loyalty and perceived threat to him. Allegations of corruption were less damaging to Noem than the moment she publicly implicated Trump in the no-bid $220 million ad campaign, which blended self-promotion with the potential for compromise of her superiors.
No other president would likely have brought on someone with Noem’s controversies, but Trump’s unique approach to leadership rewards public displays of loyalty over scrutiny of ethics. Noem’s fate was sealed not by her record but by breaking the unspoken rule of protecting Trump above all else.
Noem, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, before the Senate Judiciary Committee, during a heated oversight hearing, admitted that the President approved the no-bid Ad campaign. This admission reportedly was the pivotal moment that led directly to her ouster just two days later. President Trump was reportedly “furious” that Noem linked him directly to the $220 million price tag. In an interview with NBC News shortly after, Trump stated, “I wasn’t thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president.”
Noem’s experience offers a lesson to Trump loyalists: mirroring his approach does not guarantee protection. Trump’s cabinet members try to emulate his methods, thinking it secures their place; ultimately, only unwavering loyalty to Trump himself matters. Noem’s downfall underscores the risks of this dynamic.
Nicholas A. Owoyemi
Moderate Voices of America (MVA)
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