Kristi Noem's Mom Slams Affair Rumors, Reveals Marriage Breakdown
The mother of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has obliterated rumors of an affair between her daughter and Corey Lewandowski, a close ally of Donald Trump, labeling the allegations as "a bunch of crap." Corinne Arnold insists her daughter would never betray her marriage.
Arnold's comments come as she divulges that Kristi Noem plans to divorce her husband, Bryon Noem, following shocking revelations about his alleged online activities. This conversation unfolded during a family birthday gathering in South Dakota, attended by relatives and grandchildren.
Arnold confronted her daughter about the possibility of reconciliation. Kristi's response was blunt: "No. No. We're going to get a divorce," she recounted.
This interview marks one of the most revealing accounts from a family member regarding the disintegration of the Noems' 34-year marriage, while simultaneously countering speculation that the affair rumors played a role in the split.
Arnold stated that family members had anticipated the divorce before Kristi made her decision public. "It has been difficult, but we knew this was coming," she said.
The last time Arnold saw Kristi and Bryon together was at the family birthday party, which took place after reports surfaced about Bryon's involvement in online "bimbofication" communities—a fetish subculture focused on exaggerated hyper-feminine transformation.
Despite the surrounding tension, Arnold noted that Bryon appeared affectionate with family members and grandchildren during the event. "Bryon was holding and hugging the kids," she remarked. "It seemed like the old Bryon."
Arnold later pressed Kristi about their marriage's future, only to be told that reconciliation was off the table. The 77-year-old expressed sadness over the divorce but acknowledged the necessity of the decision.
"I feel bad, sick that they're getting a divorce, but what else can you do?" she stated.
The couple has been married since 1992 and shares three adult children.
Speculation about their marriage intensified this spring after reports emerged alleging Bryon communicated with online fetish models and participated in "bimbofication" forums. The allegations included messages, photographs, and financial transactions indicating Bryon's engagement with women in the fetish community.
A spokesperson for Kristi Noem previously stated that the family felt "blindsided" by these reports and requested privacy. Bryon later indicated he would address the matter but not at that moment.
The allegations gained traction shortly after Noem's departure from DHS, where she oversaw agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Donald Trump also commented on the situation, expressing sympathy for the family amidst the unfolding drama.
Meanwhile, Kristi Noem continues to face scrutiny over persistent rumors regarding her relationship with Lewandowski. Speculation surged after a report claimed they had grown unusually close, though both have denied any romantic involvement.
These allegations resurfaced during a congressional hearing when Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove directly questioned Noem about a potential sexual relationship with Lewandowski. Noem sidestepped a direct denial, dismissing the claims as "tabloid garbage."
Arnold vehemently rejected the affair allegations during her interview, reiterating that her daughter would not pursue a relationship with a married man. "And Corey's got his own wonderful family and little kids," she added.
Arnold described Lewandowski as a family friend who has always treated them decently. "He has been friends with all the kids in our family," she said.
