Kristi Noem and Her Husband Bryon Had Three Children Together – What We Know about Them

Behind the political headlines and viral congressional moments, another narrative has quietly followed Kristi Noem for years. It's the story of her three kids, whose lives, careers, and even controversies have occasionally pulled them into the public eye as well.

Kristi Noem has rarely been far from the spotlight, but the latest twist in her political career has people talking again. And as headlines swirl around her recent departure from a powerful government post, many are looking beyond the politics to the family that has stood behind her for years.

Behind the governor-turned-cabinet member is a long marriage and three children whose lives have quietly unfolded alongside her rise to national prominence.

A Political Bombshell

The increased attention around Kristi comes after a major shake-up inside the Trump administration. According to CNN, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that he would be replacing Kristi as Secretary of Homeland Security with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin.

The president still offered praise for the South Dakota politician, writing that she had delivered "numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!)."

He also revealed she would be transitioning into a different position: Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new Western Hemisphere security initiative. Kristi also thanked the president after the announcement of her firing.

Senator Mullin is expected to take over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) role on March 31 while the administration works to confirm him quickly. Yet the change came after weeks of growing tension around Kristi's tenure.

Reports indicate that several controversies and internal frustrations had been building within the administration. Among them were disputes over policy decisions, congressional hearings that reportedly angered the president, and criticism over the distribution of funds for a high-profile ad campaign that prominently featured the secretary herself.

The situation escalated further after the two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, and the federal government's response to the crisis.

According to the report, the president even dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to address the situation, a move widely viewed as a rebuke of Kristi's handling of the matter.

Rumors That Added to the Controversy

Another issue that attracted attention during congressional hearings involved longstanding rumors about Kristi's relationship with a top adviser.

During one hearing, California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove directly asked the secretary whether she had ever had inappropriate relations with Corey Lewandowski, her chief adviser. As reported by The Independent, the moment created a tense exchange in the room.

"At any time during your tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?" the lawmaker asked.

Kristi pushed back forcefully, responding:

"Mr. Chairman, I am shocked we are going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today."

Her refusal to directly answer the question prompted the congresswoman to continue pressing. Rep. Kamlager-Dove argued that such questions were not about personal matters but about judgment and professional relationships within the government.

Both Kristi and her chief advisor, both of whom are married, have repeatedly denied the allegations. The soon-to-be former secretary called the claims a "disgusting lie."

Interestingly, her husband, Bryon Noem, had been seated just behind her during the hearing but reportedly left the room shortly before the question was asked. The rumors have circulated in media coverage for some time.

But amid all the speculation and political drama, one part of Kristi's life has remained remarkably constant: Her decades-long marriage.

A 30+ Year Marriage That Has Survived Politics

Kristi and Bryon have been married for more than three decades, a relationship that began long before the national spotlight. In May 2024, Bryon celebrated their anniversary with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

The post features a carousel of photos showing the couple across different moments of their life together. One image shows the pair dressed formally, as they smile warmly at the camera.

Another captures them embracing while visiting Mount Rushmore, the iconic South Dakota monument towering behind them. A third photo shows the couple standing together on a beach, bundled up in jackets with rugged cliffs and waves behind them.

The snapshots paint a picture of a couple who have shared both public life and private adventures.

Bryon accompanied the images with a loving message, penning, "Happy #32 to my favorite gal in the whole wide world! It's been a heckuva ride and [sic] I'm so glad to have been on it with you. I love you Dear! You bless me. Happy Anniversary ❤️😘😊 @kristinoem @govkristinoem."

But beyond the romance, the couple also built a family that would grow alongside Kristi's political career.

Kristi Noem's Emotional Words About Her Husband as a Father

In a 2019 essay titled "Husband, Father, Servant," Kristi reflected on the role Bryon has played in raising their children while she often traveled for work.

"At our house, Bryon completes many of our chores," she wrote. Kristi explained that because she was frequently away, he took care of many things related to the house, ranch, and their children. But what touched her most deeply was the way he loves their kids.

"You see, I married Bryon because I loved him and wanted to build a life with him, but at the time I really had no idea what kind of a father [sic] he would be," she wrote. "I had a sneaking suspicion he would be a great dad because he has a wonderful father who is a great role model."

She also recalled how Bryon gave their eldest daughter, Kassidy Noem Peters, her first bath, even insisting on doing everything himself while Kristi's mother visited to help.

When their second daughter, Kennedy Frick, was a baby suffering from severe reflux, Bryon held her constantly, even though she frequently spit up. He even found it "cute," Kristi wrote.

And their youngest child, Booker Noem, faced significant health struggles early in life. "Booker was such a sick little boy with so many breathing problems he needed multiple inhalers, medications, and constant trips to the hospital," she explained. Bryon prayed over him every night, asking God to heal their son.

The couple ultimately raised three children together: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker. Each has followed a different path.

Kassidy Noem Peters

The eldest of the Noem children is Kassidy. On her Instagram, she shares glimpses of her life as a wife and mother of three, and her love of the outdoors. Several posts show her hunting in snowy fields.

One photo captures her kneeling beside a large deer while dressed in camouflage gear and a bright orange hunting cap. Her social media also features family photos with her husband and children, highlighting a life rooted in family and outdoor traditions.

Professionally, Kassidy has built a career connected to real estate. According to her LinkedIn profile, she works as a development officer for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and also serves as a broker associate at Haugan Nelson Realty. Kassidy also graduated from South Dakota State University.

However, her name also became part of a political controversy. According to The Associated Press, questions arose after her mom, Kristi, summoned officials to a meeting regarding Kassidy's application to become a certified real estate appraiser. This occurred mere days after a South Dakota agency moved to deny her daughter's application.

Kassidy herself attended the meeting alongside the state employee who ran the appraisal program, the employee's supervisor, and the state labor secretary. She eventually received the certification in November 2020, four months after the meeting.

Soon after, the agency head who oversaw the appraisal program was pressured to retire, later filing an age discrimination complaint. Ethics experts who reviewed the situation said the governor's involvement raised concerns.

One expert described the situation as "a conflict of interest and an abuse of power for the benefit of a family member." The controversy drew significant media attention.

Ultimately, Kassidy chose to step away from her appraisal career. As reported by Dakota News Now, she resigned from the job and turned in her licenses. In a letter explaining her decision, Kassidy wrote:

"I know as the Governor's daughter I [sic] am always going to be in the public eye. I can't stop these attacks, but I can choose whether to keep being hurt by the fallout."

Kennedy Frick

The Noems' second daughter, Kennedy, appears to share her sister's love of outdoor activities. Her Instagram profile shows her fishing in mountain streams, hunting in snowy landscapes, and exploring nature with her husband and child.

One image shows Kennedy standing in a picturesque valley holding a trout she caught while wearing fishing waders.

Another photo captures a joyful moment with her husband as he lifts their baby in the air while she smiles beside them in a wooded area.

Kennedy has also built an impressive professional résumé. According to her LinkedIn profile, she works as an account executive at TRI Industries. She earned her MBA from Belmont University's Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business.

Beyond corporate work, Kennedy is also an entrepreneur. She runs a wellness and fitness business called Studio Seven Wellness, where she shares Pilates sessions and workout routines on social media.

Booker Noem

The Noems' youngest child — and only son — is Booker. As for his personality, Booker's dad, Bryon, has described his son in glowing terms: "Fun, serious, Godly, thoughtful, and just a delight to be around!"

Posts from his parents suggest Booker enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball, and participating in outdoor activities like hunting.

His early years were challenging due to health issues. As Kristi recalled in her essay, Booker required multiple inhalers and frequent hospital visits because of severe breathing problems. But the family's faith played a big role in those difficult moments.

A Different Side of a Political Figure

While Kristi's career continues to bring both scrutiny and controversy, her personal life tells another story. Behind the political battles and national headlines is a marriage that has lasted more than 30 years and three children who have carved out their own paths.

From business careers to outdoor adventures and young families, the Noem children represent a side of the political figure that is rarely discussed. And as the latest chapter in the Noem matriarch's career unfolds, one thing remains clear: The family Kristi Noem built with Bryon has been part of the story all along.