Kristi Noem’s Scandal-Fueled Transition: Staffers Dismissed Amidst Political Turmoil

In a significant shake-up, at least three of Kristi Noem’s steadfast staff members faced termination after accompanying her to a new position at the State Department. This move followed her departure from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where she was removed from her role. Sources revealed these developments amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding Noem.

The individuals in question, Troupe Hemenway, Josh King, and Octavian Miller, were placed on paid leave shortly after Noem transitioned from her role as DHS Secretary to her new role as a special envoy for the Shield of the Americas. This information was shared by a government insider speaking to The Post.

Their removal appears to be linked to their association with Corey Lewandowski, a prominent DHS aide who is widely speculated to have had a personal relationship with Noem. This connection, along with the circumstances surrounding Noem’s dismissal, seems to have prompted their exit.

“They didn’t want any people that would be tentacles for Lewandowski,” the source commented, indicating a desire to distance the department from any lingering influence or controversy associated with Lewandowski.

Despite not being on the official payroll, Lewandowski reportedly exerted significant influence at DHS, often introducing himself as Noem’s chief of staff. His presence and the power he wielded were well-noted within the agency.

Officials at the State Department were reportedly reluctant to rekindle the controversies that marked Noem’s tenure at DHS. These included not only her alleged prolonged relationship with Lewandowski but also her contentious $220 million television advertising campaign. The decision to part ways with her former aides reflects a broader effort to move past these issues.

While 10 staffers followed her to the State Department, the three jettisoned aides were allegedly told, “We’re going to help you for a little bit, but you’re obviously not welcome.”

The remaining seven workers – lower-level aides – were allowed to keep their jobs, as they were not held responsible for the turmoil that unfolded under Noem’s leadership, the source said.

The State Department did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Noem’s days in her new position – at the program meant to fight drug trafficking, organized crime and illegal immigration in the Western Hemisphere – might be numbered, senior state department officials told the Daily Mail.

“This post was intended as a soft landing so it didn’t look like Noem was immediately being fired,” sources told the outlet. 

“But no one really thinks she should have this job. The State Department was not happy to have her here and the understanding is that she’s not going to be here for much longer.”

Noem has reportedly been absent from the office.

Her political career and reputation took another hit when her insurance mogul husband was revealed to be living a cross-dressing double life in the “bimbofication” fetish scene. 

The Daily Mail, which first reported the fiasco two weeks ago, published a series of saucy messages, including multiple selfies showing Byron Noem wearing gigantic balloon breasts, some with his face visible.

The ex-DHS chief previously said via a spokesperson that she was “devastated” to learn of her husband’s involvement with the “bimbofication” fetish community, and that the family was “blindsided” by the embarrassing revelation.