Behind the political headlines and viral congressional moments, another narrative has quietly followed Kristi Noem for years. It’s the story of her three kids, whose lives, careers, and even controversies have occasionally pulled them into the public eye as well.Kristi Noem has rarely been far from the spotlight, but the latest twist in her political career has people talking again. And as headlines swirl around her recent departure from a powerful government post, many are looking beyond the politics to the family that has stood behind her for years.Behind the governor-turned-cabinet member is a long marriage and three children whose lives have quietly unfolded alongside her rise to national prominence.

The increased attention around Kristi comes after a major shake-up inside the Trump administration. According to CNN, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that he would be replacing Kristi as Secretary of Homeland Security with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin.The president still offered praise for the South Dakota politician, writing that she had delivered “numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!).”He also revealed she would be transitioning into a different position: Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new Western Hemisphere security initiative. Kristi also thanked the president after the announcement of her firing.Senator Mullin is expected to take over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) role on March 31 while the administration works to confirm him quickly. Yet the change came after weeks of growing tension around Kristi’s tenure.