Erika D. Smith, Columnist

Noem’s Abuses at DHS Went Deeper Than Photo Shoots

March 6, 2026 at 3:30 PM UTC

Erika D. Smith is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. She is a former Los Angeles Times columnist and Sacramento Bee editorial board member.

Spending more time with her remaining dogs.
Photographer: Heather Diehl/Getty Images

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As secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem had a thing for the camera. On any given day, she could be seen sitting on a horse, donning a cowboy hat at the border, or wielding a rifle and wearing a bulletproof vest (incorrectly) in some city.

More often than not, Noem, with her MAGA makeover, looked straight out of President Donald Trump’s idea of “central casting.” But even in an administration led by a man who prizes image, looking the part isn’t nearly as important as knowing one’s role. Noem offers a cautionary tale.