WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was hospitalized on Tuesday after suffering an allergic reaction, according to her spokesperson. A statement released by department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin indicated that Noem is “alert and recovering,” emphasizing that the hospital visit was made as a precautionary measure.
At 53, Kristi Noem leads the extensive Department of Homeland Security, which employs approximately 260,000 individuals involved in various duties such as immigration enforcement, airport security, and disaster response. Noem is a prominent figure in President Donald Trump’s administration, often seen traveling and actively engaging on social media.
She plays a significant role in Trump’s efforts towards mass deportation, frequently participating in immigration enforcement actions. Noem has also been featured in public service announcements encouraging those in the U.S. illegally to leave voluntarily. Just last week, she gave a press conference in California during which U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, attempted to address immigration raids with her. His attempt was met with a forcible removal by security.
The incident, which was addressed on the Senate floor by Padilla, included action from the Secret Service, who reportedly thought the senator was threatening Secretary Noem. The Secret Service later criticized Padilla for engaging in what they termed “disrespectful political theater.” Video footage documented a Secret Service agent from Noem’s detail physically removing Padilla by his jacket, cuffing him, and handling him in the corridor outside.
Following the event, Noem spoke to Fox LA, showing her appreciation for a “great” discussion with Padilla after the security clash, although she critiqued his initial approach as “inappropriate.” Noem, before taking her current role, served as a two-term governor of South Dakota and was a congressional member. A known supporter of Trump, Noem specifically requested the Homeland Security role anticipating its alignment with the former President’s key areas of focus.
In an earlier incident this year, Noem faced personal challenges when her purse was stolen during an Easter Sunday dinner with her family. Reportedly, the purse contained about $3,000 in cash, keys, and identification, including her Homeland Security badge. The department commented that Noem had the cash on her for family expenses during the holiday. Subsequently, a suspect was arrested and federally charged with aggravated identity theft, robbery, and fraud concerning the theft.