The fallout from Kristi Noem’s departure from the Department of Homeland Security is continuing to ripple through Washington, with several of her closest aides losing their footing after following her into a new role at the State Department.
According to the New York Post, three former DHS staffers — Troup Hemenway, Josh King and Octavian Miller — were placed on paid leave shortly after Noem transitioned into her new position as a special envoy tied to a Western Hemisphere initiative, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The move came quickly after Noem was removed from her DHS post, and insiders say the decision to sideline the trio was tied to their connections within her inner circle.
“They didn’t want any people that would be tentacles for Lewandowski,” a source said, referencing Corey Lewandowski, a longtime political figure who held an informal but influential role during Noem’s tenure.
Lewandowski, who reportedly introduced himself as Noem’s chief of staff despite not holding the official title, was said to have wielded significant influence within the agency. His association with the former secretary and their alleged affair became a focal point of internal concerns as leadership shifted.
When Noem landed at the State Department, about 10 staffers made the move with her.
However, not all were retained. The three aides in question were informed they would receive temporary support but were ultimately not welcome to remain.
“We’re going to help you for a little bit, but you’re obviously not welcome,” they were told, according to the source.
The remaining staffers — described as more junior aides — were allowed to continue in their roles, as they were not viewed as central figures in the controversies that surrounded Noem’s time at DHS.
Officials at the State Department were reportedly wary of carrying over the turbulence tied to Noem’s leadership, including scrutiny over internal dynamics and high-profile decisions made during her tenure.
Her new role, connected to efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking, organized crime, and illegal immigration in the Americas, was described by sources as a temporary landing spot rather than a long-term assignment.
“This post was intended as a soft landing so it didn’t look like Noem was immediately being fired,” a source said.
Complicating matters further, Noem has also faced personal challenges that have drawn public attention.
Reports recently surfaced involving her husband, Byron Noem, and online activity that caught the family off guard. The Daily Mail leaked images of Byron wearing fake balloon breasts on a fetish website. It’s further alleged that he paid OnlyFans models for access to their “bimbofication” content.
Through a spokesperson, Noem said she was “devastated” by the revelation and that her family had been “blindsided.”
As questions continue to swirl around her professional future, the shake-up among her staff underscored the broader uncertainty surrounding Noem’s next chapter in public life.
