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By Hollie Silverman
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President Donald Trump reacted to reports that the husband of former Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Kristi Noem cross-dresses, telling The Daily Mail Tuesday, "I feel badly for the family."
The comments followed the outlet's report that Bryon Noem cross-dresses and wears fake breasts.
"They confirmed it? Wow, well, I feel badly for the family if that's the case, that's too bad," Trump told The Daily Mail, adding, "I haven't seen anything. I don't know anything about it. That's too bad, but I just know nothing about it."
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Bryon Noem denied putting his wife at risk of blackmail when reached by the outlet.
Why It Matters
The controversy involving the spouse of a recently ousted member of Trump's Cabinet—an official who oversaw sensitive national security operations—raises questions of potential blackmail exposure and security clearance standards. The Independent reported that experts said compromising images could be intercepted by hostile intelligence services.
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Who Is Kristi Noem's Husband, Bryon?
Bryon Noem is an insurance mogul, married to Kristi Noem since 1992. They have three children. He was seen sitting behind his wife during early March congressional hearings preceding her dismissal.
The couple attended the same high school and began dating when she was a junior and he was a college freshman, according to People.
What Claims are Being Made of Bryon Noem?
The report by The Daily Mail alleged that Bryon Noem chats with online fetish models, citing hundreds of messages involving three women from the "bimbofication" scene, where adult performers augment their breasts with large amounts of saline to create a doll-like appearance.
In one photo obtained by the outlet, Bryon Noem appears to be wearing a flesh-colored top with two balloons inside to give the appearance of breasts, along with pink shorts.
He sent online acquaintances at least $25,000 via Cash App and PayPal, according to the report.
When Was Kristi Noem Fired as Homeland Security Secretary?
Trump fired Kristi Noem earlier this month, reappointing her as special envoy to the newly created "Shield of the Americas" initiative focused on border security. As DHS secretary, Noem faced repeated scrutiny over her policy decisions, spending and management of the department.
The firing came after months of mounting anger over her decision to personally review every Federal Emergency Management Agency contract and grant over $100,000—a policy slowing reimbursements to communities that had been waiting months or even years. The delays drew bipartisan frustration, culminating in criticism from lawmakers who said disaster‑stricken regions were being left in limbo.
She also faced intense pushback after federal agents killed U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
What People Are Saying
Jack Barsky, U.S. counterintelligence expert, to The Daily Mail: “It's astounding that somebody whose spouse is at that level has that kind of bad judgment.”
**Kristi Noem’s representative, in a statement to the New York Post: “**The family was blindsided by this, and they ask for privacy and prayers at the time.”
What Happens Next
The next steps taken by the Noems remain unclear.
Update 3/31/26, 5:26 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with more information.
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