NBC's "Saturday Night Live" addressed the burgeoning scandal involving Bryon Noem, husband of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, during its April 4 broadcast. The late-night program used its "Weekend Update" segment to satirize reports that first emerged in a March 31 exposé regarding the Noem family’s private life.
Cast member Sarah Sherman appeared as Bryon Noem, parodying alleged "bimbofication" fetishes and the circulation of photos showing him in feminine attire. The sketch followed a week of media coverage that reportedly left the Noem family "blindsided" and requesting privacy and prayers.
Kristi Noem, recently dismissed from her cabinet position by President Donald Trump, has characterized the reports as a targeted attempt to undermine her political standing. President Trump remains the current Commander-in-Chief and recently appointed Senator Markwayne Mullin to succeed Noem at the Department of Homeland Security.
During the SNL segment, the comedy focused on the contrast between Noem’s public conservative values and the specific digital evidence obtained by tabloid outlets. Reports indicate that Bryon Noem allegedly communicated with online fetish models and sent over $25,000 to various platforms while his wife served in the administration.
National security experts have expressed concerns about potential blackmail, citing the lack of transparency surrounding these activities during Kristi Noem's initial security vetting. The April 4 episode, hosted by Jack Black, also featured a cold open mentioning Noem’s new role as a special envoy for the "Shield of the Americas."
While Noem’s office has not responded to the SNL sketch, her representatives previously described the underlying reports as "devastating" for the family. Public reaction has been polarized, with supporters criticizing the program for targeting a political spouse, while others argue the satire is fair given the context.
Critics suggest the scandal highlights ongoing vulnerabilities within the administration’s vetting processes for high-level cabinet officials. The controversy represents a major shift for the Noems, who have been influential figures throughout President Trump's current term in office.