U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Handbag Stolen in D.C., $3,000 in Cash Missing

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had her handbag stolen Sunday night while dining at a Washington, D.C. restaurant, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. The stolen bag contained her passport, department security badge, and $3,000 in cash.

Noem confirmed the theft the following morning during an appearance at the White House Easter Egg Roll. While the department did not share extensive details, it confirmed a CNN report stating that the bag also held her driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, and several blank checks. A department spokesperson said the cash had been withdrawn to treat her visiting children and grandchildren to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts.

The Metropolitan Police Department directed all inquiries to the Secret Service, which then referred questions back to Homeland Security.

Appointed by former President Donald Trump, Noem took office as Secretary of Homeland Security in 2025 after serving as the Republican governor of South Dakota. She now oversees the department’s efforts in national security, including border enforcement, cybersecurity, and disaster response. Agencies under her leadership include FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service.

Noem rose to national prominence during her tenure as South Dakota’s first female governor, often making headlines for her conservative stance on domestic issues and her resistance to COVID-19 mandates. Prior to her governorship, she represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2019, following an early political career in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Born and raised in Watertown, South Dakota, Noem frequently references her rural upbringing and family ranch as central to her identity and leadership style.