From killing her dog to labeling ICE victims in Minneapolis as terrorists': Kristi Noem's most controversial moments

"As the top official responsible for the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, Noem was questioned by lawmakers—especially Democrats, but also some Republicans—over abuses in immigration raids and, in particular, the killing of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during operations in Minneapolis last January. Noem defended the actions of federal agents and refused to retract her labeling of the victims as domestic terrorists."

"She was also questioned over a controversial DHS advertising contract worth around $220 million, in which she featured prominently. Her performance at the hearing, according to national media, triggered calls from people close to President Trump demanding her removal."

"As governor beginning in 2019, she gained notoriety for resisting public-health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, going against federal recommendations from the Biden administration. As a result, she was considered a potential vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign."

Kristi Noem's tenure as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ended Thursday following her dismissal by President Trump. Her removal came after Senate Judiciary Committee testimony regarding immigration raids that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis. Noem defended federal agents' actions and refused to retract calling the victims domestic terrorists. She also faced questioning about a $220 million DHS advertising contract featuring her prominently. Her Senate performance prompted calls from Trump associates for her removal. Noem's controversial record includes resisting COVID-19 public health restrictions as South Dakota governor and revelations in her autobiography about shooting her hunting dog.

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