Homeland Security Secretary Noem Asks Followers to Choose Governor Portrait

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, previously governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025, asked her social media followers to choose which Western-themed portrait of her should hang in the South Dakota State Capitol. The portraits, painted by David Uhl, depict Noem in cowboy attire on horseback, and she solicited opinions via Instagram, where followers expressed a range of preferences and comments. Noem, known online as 'ICE Barbie' for her polished appearance while working in immigration enforcement under President Trump, has faced some criticism for her social media activity, including accusations of being out of touch amid serious events like a disaster in Texas and for revealing ongoing ICE operations. Despite the critiques, Noem has embraced the Western imagery as part of her public persona and governance legacy. Her request follows recent controversies around official portraits of Trump in state Capitols, highlighting the political and cultural symbolism portraits carry. Noem's social media engagement reflects a mix of direct democracy and political branding, though some staffers reportedly find her photo-ops disruptive to operations.