Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kristi Noem

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Kristi Noem.

Kristi Noem is an American politician who has served as the 8th United States secretary of homeland security since 2025. A Republican, she was the 33rd governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025. Prior to her governorship, Noem represented South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. She is a prominent figure in American politics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2015: Co-sponsored bill to amend 14th Amendment

In 2015, Kristi Noem co-sponsored a bill to amend the 14th Amendment to define human life and personhood as beginning at fertilization, federally banning abortion from the moment of fertilization.

2019: Signed Anti-Protest Legislation

In 2019, Kristi Noem signed into law anti-protest legislation developed in collaboration with TransCanada Corporation.

2020: Legislation to Repeal and Clarify Definition of Incitement to Riot

In 2020, after a federal court struck down sections of the legislation as unconstitutional, Noem brought legislation to repeal sections of the previous bill and clarify the definition of "incitement to riot".

2022: Climate Change Views

In 2022, Kristi Noem stated that she believes "the science has been varied on it, and it hasn't been proven to me that what we're doing is affecting the climate."