On April 21, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made headlines when her handbag was stolen while dining at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. The incident, which took place at The Capital Burger, a popular downtown eatery, on Easter Sunday, has raised questions about security protocols for high-ranking officials and sparked public curiosity about Noem’s private and professional life.
According to multiple reports, the stolen bag contained $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) access badge, blank checks, medication, makeup, and apartment keys. The Secret Service, which provides security to Noem, has launched an investigation and identified a suspect in CCTV footage, described as a white male wearing a surgical mask.
Noem, who was dining with her family, including her children and grandchildren, confirmed the theft during the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday but declined to elaborate, saying the matter was still unresolved. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said Noem had withdrawn cash to buy dinner, activities and Easter gifts for her family. The theft has been investigated not only for the loss of sensitive items like a DHS badge, but also for the large amount of cash Noem was carrying.
Critics on social media platforms like X have questioned the security lapse, with some mocking Noem’s role overseeing national security while she failed to keep her personal belongings safe. One user commented, “Kristi Noem can’t keep her personal bag safe despite being in charge of #HomelandSecurity.” The incident has also drawn attention to Noem’s husband, Brian Noem, a low-profile figure who manages a crop insurance agency and supports rural community initiatives in South Dakota.
Married to Kristi since 1992, Brian has mostly stayed out of the political spotlight, but the theft has sparked public interest in the couple’s life. Kristi Noem, 53, has had a stellar political career, serving as governor of South Dakota from 2019 until joining President Donald Trump’s Cabinet in 2025. Prior to that, she represented South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. As DHS secretary, Noem has supported Trump’s tough immigration policies, including strengthening the U.S.-Mexico border and deporting unauthorized immigrants.
Noem’s tenure at DHS has been fraught with controversy, particularly due to her high-profile media appearances and tough stance on immigration. In March 2025, she visited El Salvador’s notorious Center for Combating Terrorism (CECOT), where she filmed a video warning undocumented immigrants of possible imprisonment at the facility. The video, in which she wore a $60,000 gold Rolex, was criticized for its harsh rhetoric and her extravagant accessories, with critics calling it a publicity stunt. Noem’s frequent photo-ops, including allegedly compromising an ICE raid in New York City by revealing details on social media, have frustrated some DHS officials.
Sources have described her approach as “made for TV”, prioritizing light-heartedness over operational discretion. Despite the controversies, Noem remains a polarizing figure. Supporters praise her unwavering commitment to Trump’s agenda, including her efforts to curb illegal border crossings, which DHS claims are at a historic low. However, critics argue that her actions, such as threatening Harvard with a foreign student ban over alleged “illegal and violent” activities, reflect an overly aggressive stance.
The recent theft has further intensified scrutiny of Noem’s judgment and security measures, with the Secret Service now monitoring any unauthorized use of her financial assets. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the challenges public figures face in balancing personal security with their public roles. For Noem, it’s a high-profile lapse in an already controversial tenure, raising questions about her leadership at DHS and her ability to navigate the complexities of national security. It remains to be seen whether this will have any impact on her position in the Trump administration, but for the time being, it’s a reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the most powerful officials face.