DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Hospitalized After Allergic Reaction in Washington, D.C.

Kristi Noem on March 26, 2025 in San Salvador, El Salvador

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was hospitalized on Tuesday, June 17, following an allergic reaction, according to a statement from Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Noem, 53, was taken to a Washington, D.C. hospital as a precaution and is currently alert and recovering.

The former South Dakota governor and U.S. representative is reported to have been conscious throughout the incident and communicated with her security team. The nature of the allergic reaction has not been disclosed, but officials confirmed that the situation is under control.

Noem assumed the role of DHS Secretary on January 25 after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Her responsibilities include oversight of immigration and border enforcement, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, disaster preparedness, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Kristi Noem on June 10, 2025 in Washington, DC

Prior to her appointment, Noem served as the governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025 and represented the state’s at-large congressional district from 2011 to 2019. She is known for her close alignment with President Donald Trump, particularly on immigration enforcement.

Since joining the Trump administration, Noem has helped implement aggressive immigration policies, including large-scale ICE operations targeting immigrant communities and controversial deportations of individuals, including some reported U.S. citizens, to detention facilities in South America.

In addition to immigration enforcement, Noem also oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In early June, she voiced support for restructuring FEMA and shifting disaster response authority to state governments. President Trump echoed that sentiment on June 10, stating, “We want to wean off of FEMA and bring it down to the state level. We’re going to give out less money. … It’s going to be from the president’s office."

Noem’s health scare comes at a critical time as she continues to play a key role in the Trump administration’s efforts to centralize federal authority and reduce reliance on legacy emergency response systems.