Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Forced to Vacate Waterfront Home

Noem, dubbed "ICE Barbie," must leave Coast Guard housing she shared with alleged lover Corey Lewandowski.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be required to vacate the waterfront Coast Guard housing she has been living in rent-free with her alleged romantic partner, Corey Lewandowski. Noem, who has been nicknamed "ICE Barbie" for her penchant for dressing up in various DHS uniforms, claimed she was paying for the housing, but Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin accused her of living rent-free in the official residence reserved for the Coast Guard commandant.

Why it matters

Noem's use of the Coast Guard housing has raised questions about the proper use of government resources and whether she was receiving special treatment. Her departure from the DHS also comes amid allegations of luxury travel and a close relationship with Lewandowski, her special adviser, which created friction within the agency.

The details

Noem moved into the Coast Guard housing last August, claiming she needed protection after receiving threats. However, she insisted during congressional testimony this week that she was paying for the housing, contradicting previous reports. Raskin accused Noem of "living rent-free in the official waterfront residence reserved for the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard." Noem also faced allegations of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury travel around the country, often using a Boeing 737 jet with a plush bedroom and lounge area.

  • Noem moved into the Coast Guard housing last August.
  • Noem participated in a ship assault demonstration with the Coast Guard.
  • Noem testified before the House Judiciary Committee this week.

The players

Kristi Noem

Former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, nicknamed "ICE Barbie" for her penchant for dressing up in various DHS uniforms.

Corey Lewandowski

Noem's alleged romantic partner and special adviser.

Jamie Raskin

Democratic Representative who accused Noem of living rent-free in the official waterfront residence reserved for the Coast Guard commandant.

Byron Noem

Kristi Noem's husband, who attended her congressional appearances.

Markwayne Mullin

Senator who will replace Kristi Noem as the new DHS Secretary, according to the President.

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What they’re saying

“Let me clarify a couple things. I'm not in the commandant's house. I'm in a Coast Guard house, but not the commandant's house. The commandant is in his house.”

— Kristi Noem, Former DHS Secretary (House Judiciary Committee)

“I rent that facility. I rent where I stay and pay personal dollars to do that.”

— Kristi Noem, Former DHS Secretary (House Judiciary Committee)

“There is a general atmosphere of 'keep your head down, you don't want to be on the firing line.'”

— Former Coast Guard official (NBC News)

What’s next

Noem has been given a new position as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, but it is unclear if she will be able to continue living in the Coast Guard housing.

The takeaway

Noem's use of government housing and luxury travel has raised concerns about the proper use of taxpayer resources and whether she received special treatment as a political appointee. Her departure from the DHS highlights the ongoing scrutiny of government officials' conduct and the need for greater accountability in the use of public funds.