A life-size bronze statue of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to be unveiled in South Dakota's capital city this June, following months of political scandals and her recent ouster from President Donald Trump's cabinet. The statue will become part of the Trail of Governors, an art installation in downtown Pierre featuring over 30 former state leaders.
Statue Details and Unveiling
The bronze statue, crafted by local sculptor John Lopez, will be officially revealed on the State Capitol grounds on June 12. The Trail of Governors Foundation announced the unveiling date on March 9, after initially revealing in August 2025 that it was accepting donations to fund the project. All statues along the trail are financed entirely through donations, with each featuring a bronze plaque acknowledging major contributors and a QR code linking to the governor's biography.
Noem's Political Career
Kristi Noem served as South Dakota's first female governor from 2019 until 2025, when President Trump appointed her to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Her tenure in that role ended abruptly last month when Trump fired her from his cabinet. The president stated she had "served us well" and announced she would take on a new position as "Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas." She was replaced by Markwayne Mullin.
Controversies and Congressional Hearings
Noem's dismissal came after a series of tense congressional hearings where lawmakers questioned her extensively on multiple issues. These included the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign that featured her on horseback. Additionally, she faced scrutiny over allegations of an affair with her top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, who reportedly left DHS alongside her last month. Both Noem and Lewandowski have consistently denied these allegations.
Personal Scandals and Low Profile
Following her firing, Noem has maintained a low profile amid personal scandals involving her husband, Bryon Noem. Reports from The Daily Mail alleged he engaged in a "bimbofication" fetish, sending tens of thousands of dollars to women online, and insulted his wife in communications with a dominatrix while expressing a desire to become a woman. Bryon Noem has stated these claims are "not all true." The couple, married for over 30 years and parents to three children, has faced public scrutiny as a result.
The Trail of Governors Foundation emphasized that each statue on the trail tells the story of that governor's service to the state, with Noem's addition continuing this tradition despite the controversies surrounding her recent career and personal life.
