WASHINGTON — Bryon Noem’s family is urging him to reconsider his marriage to embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following revelations of her alleged affair with a senior adviser. Despite the emotional turmoil, there are concerns that Bryon, a businessman from South Dakota, will remain by his wife’s side due to his deep-rooted Christian beliefs and commitment to his marriage vows.
In a conversation with The Post on Friday, members of Bryon Noem’s extended family expressed that he has long considered it his religious duty to support Kristi, even as their relationship faces public scrutiny due to the scandal.
“About two decades ago, he concluded that his purpose was to stand by her decisions,” a family member revealed. “He has endured the embarrassment, but the question now is whether he’ll continue to do so.”
The relative continued, “His actions seem to reflect a dedication to his spiritual calling, but everyone has their breaking point.”
Reportedly, tensions have existed between Kristi Noem and her husband’s family for several years, with many aware of her alleged relationship with Corey Lewandowski, which recently came to light.
“She has never gotten along with the Noem family,” the relative noted about the former Cabinet member.
The relative said Bryon Noem appeared determined to show solidarity with his wife even as she faced a bruising public grilling from lawmakers — and hoped it opened his eyes.
“I actually liked that he sat behind her while she was grilled on the ICE atrocities,” the person said. “I think he’s ignored the reality. Maybe he has to face it now.”
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In a Wednesday House hearing, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) grilled Noem over rumors of her affair with Lewandowski, her top adviser and “special government employee.”
Bryon Noem had left the briefing shortly before the tense questioning came up — during which Kristi Noem refused to deny her relationship with Lewandowski, a leading figure in President Trump’s 2016 campaign.
A second family member told The Post that the controversy unfolding publicly was shocking — and the relative hopes it will wake Bryon up to the reality of his marriage.
“What gets me is she couldn’t say no,” the relative said. “When she’s getting grilled about it, she couldn’t say no.”
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The relative said they also believed Bryon Noem’s Christian faith — and devotion to his children — would keep the marriage intact even amid the fallout.
“Bryon is a Christian man, and he believes that marriage is forever,” the relative said. “He’s very close with his children. I’m sure this is really hard on them.”
Bryon Noem did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Kristi Noem is expected to leave her post at DHS at the end of the month, with sources telling The Post that her answers about her relationship with Lewandowski were the final straw for Trump.
