Noem took a different route during the COVID-19 pandemic

While other governors locked down their states, issued sweeping mandates, and shuttered small businesses, Kristi Noem stood tall.

She became a national symbol of courage and common sense during the COVID-19 pandemic by refusing to issue mask mandates or stay-at-home orders.

“I’m going to continue to trust South Dakotans to make wise and well-informed decisions for themselves and their families,” Noem wrote in an op-ed.

At a time when freedom was under attack, she trusted her people—and they trusted her back.

Critics in the media pounced, branding her “The Covid Queen of South Dakota.” But in conservative America, she was a warrior for liberty, individual rights, and economic survival. Businesses thrived, schools stayed open, and South Dakota became a refuge of freedom.

She had to deny a rumored affair

In 2021, left-wing tabloids tried to take down Noem with an unfounded rumor about an alleged affair with Corey Lewandowski. It was a classic political smear—ugly, baseless, and aimed at undermining a strong conservative woman.

“These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie,” Noem said. “These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can’t achieve anything without a man’s help.”

The smear was rehashed again in 2023, conveniently after Noem endorsed Donald Trump for president. It was no coincidence. The establishment fears powerful America First leaders—and they’ll do anything to discredit them.

But Noem’s integrity and family-first values remain unshaken.

Noem was plagued by plastic surgery rumors

As Noem’s star rose in national politics, critics latched onto her appearance—accusing her of plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements. Online chatter compared old and new photos, speculating about Botox and lip fillers.

Noem has never responded, and frankly, she doesn’t have to. What matters isn’t cosmetic gossip—it’s character, courage, and competence.

She did publicly reveal back surgery in 2022 after a serious injury, appearing on video to update constituents. “I won’t be able to stand for more than 10, 15 minutes at a time,” she said, showing once again her trademark transparency and grit.

Noem remains focused on what truly matters—serving the American people.

Noem dashes to the front of the America First movement, championing conservative values

In 2023 and 2024, Governor Kristi Noem continued to solidify her reputation as a steadfast conservative leader, implementing policies that emphasized limited government, individual liberties, and state sovereignty. Her administration focused on educational reform, national security, and economic growth, aligning with her commitment to the America First agenda.

Governor Noem took decisive steps to ensure that South Dakota’s educational institutions reflected the state’s values.

She challenged the South Dakota Board of Regents to enhance higher education by promoting free speech, banning drag shows and the use of preferred pronouns on campuses, eliminating Chinese influence, mandating U.S. history and government classes, improving graduation rates, and making higher education more affordable.

Under Noem’s leadership, South Dakota achieved significant economic milestones. In 2023, the state implemented the largest tax cut in its history, reducing the general sales tax from 4.5% to 4.2%, which was projected to save taxpayers $104 million annually.

Noem advocated for the elimination of the sales tax on groceries, emphasizing her commitment to reducing the financial burden on South Dakotans.

Governor Noem prioritized national security by addressing foreign influence within the state. She signed legislation prohibiting the governments and entities from six countries—China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela—from purchasing agricultural land in South Dakota.

Additionally, she banned the use of applications owned by Chinese companies, such as TikTok and WeChat, on state-owned devices, citing concerns over data security and foreign surveillance.

In 2023, Noem signed into law a bill that prohibited gender-affirming care for minors, including the prescription of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgeries. This legislation underscored her commitment to protecting children and upholding traditional family values.

Governor Noem’s influence extended beyond South Dakota as she became a prominent figure in national politics. She endorsed President Donald Trump during the 2024 Republican primaries and was considered a potential running mate, reflecting her alignment with the America First movement.

Her speeches at national events, such as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), highlighted her achievements in South Dakota and her vision for the nation’s future.

Through her unwavering dedication to conservative principles, Governor Kristi Noem’s actions in 2023 and 2024 reinforced her status as a formidable leader committed to preserving American values and promoting prosperity.

Noem rocks the MAGA style like a boss

Now serving as President Donald J. Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem has become an undeniable icon of the MAGA movement. Confirmed in January 2025, she took the reins of DHS with the same resolve she showed as governor.

Noem’s image—leather jackets, bold makeup, and a fierce gaze—screams strength. Her patriotic fashion isn’t just style; it’s a symbol of her allegiance to the movement that’s putting America First.

Critics whine that her image “overshadows policy.” But to her supporters, it’s part of the package: fearless, feminine, and ferociously committed to the cause.

From South Dakota soil to the national security stage, Kristi Noem is redefining what it means to be a conservative leader in the 21st century. She is a farmer’s daughter with the heart of a warrior, a mother with the soul of a patriot, and now, a cabinet official with the courage to protect the homeland.

In an era where authenticity is rare and strength is often attacked, Kristi Noem stands as a defiant reminder of what true American leadership looks like. She’s not just a governor, not just a cabinet secretary—she’s a symbol of grit, grace, and greatness rooted in the American heartland. With Donald J. Trump at the helm and Noem by his side, the future of America First is in bold, unbreakable hands.