What came first—Kristi Noem’s affair or Byron’s Cross-Dressing? At this point, the sequence almost doesn’t matter. What’s clear is this: when ambition overtakes responsibility, the consequences don’t stay contained—they ripple outward.
Let me be clear—this isn’t about whether women should work or pursue careers. They absolutely can. The women in my own life have built strong, professional careers while still holding their families together. The issue isn’t success—it’s priorities.
The Devil likes nothing more than getting a foothold on a family.
From the moment Kristi Noem stepped into public life in Pierre, then Washington, then back again, her trajectory told a consistent story. It wasn’t about service—it was about ascent. About visibility. About power. And people around her have seen it: when everything becomes centered on one person, others inevitably get pushed aside.
Power and money have a way of distorting judgment. So does fame. Over time, the focus seemed to shift—from leadership to image. From substance to presentation. Carefully staged appearances, polished messaging, and a growing emphasis on personal branding began to overshadow the responsibilities of the offices she held.
That kind of transformation doesn’t happen overnight—but it does leave a trail. And when it happens at the highest levels of leadership, it affects more than just one family. It touches a state. It touches a country.
That’s what makes this moment so sobering. Not just the personal cost, but the broader implications of leadership driven more by self than by service.
As we move through Easter week, it’s worth remembering that accountability and reflection matter—especially for those entrusted with public responsibility. There’s still time for that reflection. But it starts with honesty—and the willingness to look inward. We need to all pray for the Noem family.
