Kristi Noem’s husband Bryon seeks spousal support in divorce filing
WASHINGTON, DC: Kristi Noem’s divorce from her husband of 34 years, Bryon Noem, has taken a new turn after he asked a court to order her to pay him spousal support. His legal team filed an official response weeks after the former Department of Homeland Security secretary moved to end their marriage.
The filing accepts that the marriage is ending but seeks monthly payments from Kristi. Neither side has specified an amount, and the court has not awarded financial support to either party.
The latest development comes weeks after reports about Bryon’s private activities and financial transactions drew attention to the couple’s strained relationship.
Kristi Noem’s husband Bryon seeks monthly payments in divorce filing
Kristi, 54, filed for divorce on September 28, citing irreconcilable differences “for settlement purposes only.”
She also reserved the right to seek financial support from Bryon.
In his official response filed in Hamlin County, South Dakota, Bryon agreed that the marriage was over but asked the court to approve monthly spousal support from Kristi.
The filing does not specify how much he wants to receive. The couple’s three children, two daughters and a son, are all adults, meaning child support is not part of the proceedings.
Kristi’s legal team has also reserved the right to introduce fault-based grounds if the couple fails to settle.
Under South Dakota law, both parties are subject to a temporary restraining order while the divorce case moves forward.
Bryon Noem’s reported private activities brought fresh attention to the marriage
The divorce proceedings follow reports about Bryon’s private activities.
Photos published by the Daily Mail showed him posing in pink shorts and a flesh-colored crop top with exaggerated fake breasts. The report described his interest as “bimbofication,” a fetish focused on an exaggerated doll-like appearance.
Bryon had reportedly sent at least $25,000 to online fetish models through PayPal and Cash App.
He allegedly contacted one woman using the name Jason Jackson, with payments from an account under that name typically ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Another model reportedly identified him after accidentally calling him and hearing a voicemail greeting for Noem Insurance, the South Dakota insurance agency he runs.
At the time, a spokesman for Kristi said she was “devastated” by the revelations and that the family had been “blindsided.”
President Donald Trump also reacted to the reports, saying, “Wow, well, I feel badly for the family if that's the case, that's too bad.”
Kristi Noem and Bryon Noem’s separation preceded the divorce filing
By July, Bryon had reportedly moved out of the couple’s home in Castlewood, South Dakota, and was living about 20 miles away.
Although Bryon signed a notarized form on April 8 confirming he had received the divorce papers, the documents remained unfiled for nearly six months before appearing on the public court docket.
Bryon’s attorney, Tim Bottum, said his client was “saddened that the marriage is ending.” He added that Bryon would “welcome the opportunity to truthfully share his perspective” if the case proceeds to court.
Kristi’s team said she has “great faith in the South Dakota judicial system” and would leave further comments on the legal process.
