Kristi Noem, former Trump homeland security chief, files for divorce

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has initiated a divorce proceeding from her husband of three and a half decades. The South Dakota native, who held the prestigious position under President Donald Trump, is seeking a divorce from her spouse, Bryon Noem. The two tied the knot in May 1992 and are blessed with three children.

The divorce petition was filed in April but made public on Monday, following inquiries into the dynamics of Kristi Noem's relationship with a key counselor. The lawsuit, filed in Hamlin County, cites "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the divorce. Kristi Noem's legal representative affirmed the filing and stated that she will refrain from commenting further until the legal proceedings unfold.

Bryon Noem's counsel has yet to provide a response to inquiries for details. A day before her ousting from the cabinet, lawmakers probed Noem about an alleged romantic liaison with Corey Lewandowski, a special government worker and one of her senior consultants. Trump's inaugural campaign manager in 2016, Lewandowski seemed to wield considerable influence over Noem's department, despite his role being expected to have a cap on hours worked.

Noem adamantly denied the accusations of an affair, labeling them as "tabloid rubbish." Once a trusted ally of Trump, Noem emerged as a liability for the Republican leader as questions surfaced regarding her actions post the fatal shootings of two protestors in Minneapolis by immigration officials. Noem labeled both Renee Good and Alex Pretti as antagonists, contradicting video evidence and bystanders' accounts of the events.

She also drew criticism from fellow Republicans over her department's expenditures. Trump's replacement for Noem, Markwayne Mullin, was confirmed by the US Senate as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.