Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 17, after experiencing an allergic reaction, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that Noem, 53, was hospitalized out of an “abundance of caution” and is now alert and recovering. The former South Dakota governor was reportedly conscious and able to communicate with her security team during the episode.
@dailymail Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was rushed to a hospital near Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. A DHS spokesperson told the Daily Mail that the Cabinet secretary suffered from an ‘allergic reaction.’ Sources told CNN that Noem was conscious at the hospital and was speaking with her security detail. Read the full story at DailyMail.com #kristinoem #ICE #barbie #hospital #washingtondc #reaction
Medical Incident in D.C.
The medical emergency occurred on Tuesday afternoon. Multiple Secret Service agents were seen stationed outside the emergency room where Noem was being treated, according to CNN. The nature of the allergic reaction has not been disclosed, but officials emphasized that the hospitalization was precautionary.
McLaughlin reiterated that Noem is “alert and recovering,” and no further complications were reported as of Wednesday morning.
Noem’s Role in the Trump Administration
Noem, who joined President Donald Trump’s cabinet earlier this year following his reelection, has played a central role in shaping and promoting the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. She was confirmed by the Senate in late January to head a department that includes nearly 260,000 employees across immigration services, transportation security, disaster response, and cybersecurity.
Known for her strong alignment with Trump’s policies, Noem has taken a hands-on approach. She has traveled extensively, participated in on-the-ground immigration operations, and frequently represents the administration in media appearances and public forums.
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Recent Controversies and Headlines
The secretary recently made headlines after a tense confrontation with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla during a press conference in California. Padilla, a Democrat, was forcibly removed by Secret Service agents while attempting to question Noem about ongoing immigration raids. Video footage showed agents physically removing him from the room, later detaining him in the hallway.
DHS later claimed the agents believed Padilla to be a security threat. Noem addressed the incident in an interview with Fox LA, calling her conversation with the senator afterward “great,” but criticized his method of approach as “inappropriate.”
Earlier this year, Noem was also the subject of an unrelated incident when her purse was stolen while she was dining with her family on Easter Sunday. The bag reportedly contained her passport, driver’s license, Homeland Security badge, and roughly $3,000 in cash. The suspect in that case was arrested and charged with aggravated identity theft, robbery, and fraud in federal court.
Social Media and Public Reactions
News of Noem’s hospitalization quickly circulated on social media, prompting a wide range of responses. Some users expressed concern and wished her a swift recovery, while others used the opportunity to criticize her hardline immigration policies.
A person on X commented, “Kristi Noem is ‘alert and recovering’ after trip to hospital over allergic reaction, official says” Did she tell the truth about something? She has to be allergic to that.”
Meanwhile, her supporters emphasized the importance of privacy and caution during medical situations, thanking hospital staff and security for their swift response.
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Kristi Noem is ‘alert and recovering’ after trip to hospital over allergic reaction, official says”
Did she tell the truth about something? She has to be allergic to that.
— American Veteran (@amvetsupport) June 18, 2025
Looking Ahead
As of Wednesday, Noem has not made a public statement about her health scare, but her office indicated she is expected to resume duties soon. It remains unclear whether any public events or travel plans will be postponed due to her hospitalization.
Noem’s continued presence in the Trump administration marks her as one of the most visible and influential cabinet members, particularly in areas relating to national security and immigration. How this incident might impact her already high-profile role remains to be seen.
