During her tenure, she faced year-round flooding, a bomb cyclone, the COVID-19 pandemic, tornadoes that devastated towns, wildfires, and incidents involving dangerous individuals. Even when expecting a routine week, unexpected challenges consistently came up.
Kristi Noem arrives for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security,” in Dirksen Building on March 3, 2026
Her Roles After Leaving the Governor’s Office
Even after leaving the governor’s office, Noem continues to face unexpected changes. Trump announced that she will be replaced as Secretary of Homeland Security by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. The president thanked Noem for her service at the Department of Homeland Security.
He also revealed that Noem will take on a new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a security initiative in the Western Hemisphere. Trump added that details on this initiative are set to be unveiled in Doral, Florida, on Saturday, March 7.
Her Changing Appearance Sparks Plastic Surgery Buzz
Outside of politics, discussions about Noem often turn to her changing appearance. A side-by-side photo comparing her past and present looks sparked a flurry of reactions online. One person couldn’t help but point out the subtle changes, “I immediately spy a new nose and lips 😉.”
Another netizen also noticed the striking difference, saying, “Looks like two different women.” Some people expressed shock, “What happened😱.” An individual speculated about cosmetic enhancements, “Looks like filler and rhinoplasty to me.”
Experts Weigh in on the Cosmetic Speculation
A plastic surgeon weighed in on Noem’s changing appearance, noting that based on online photos, she may have had cosmetic procedures over the past decade.
The surgeon suggested there could be work on her upper lip, a brow lift — possibly a chemical brow lift using neuromodulators like Botox — or even a surgical brow lift that raises the temple area.
They also speculated that her midface looks fuller, which could be the result of fillers, and that the lines on her neck appear smoother, possibly from a mini lower face or neck lift.
The surgeon added that her lips seem plumped, likely with fillers, and her skin may have undergone laser treatments or chemical peels as part of a rejuvenation process.
