WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s bag — including $3,000 in cash — was stolen on Sunday night, a DHS spokesperson confirmed to NBC News on Monday.
When asked about Noem carrying such a large amount of money, the DHS spokesperson said, “Her entire family was in town including her children and grandchildren — she was using the withdrawal to treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts.”
CNN was the first to report on the theft.
During the White House Easter Egg Roll event on Monday, NBC News asked Noem about her purse being stolen, but she said she couldn’t provide a comment or details.
“I don’t think I can comment on it yet,” she said. “It’s not resolved yet.”
Noem said the U.S. Secret Service was aware of the theft but said she hadn’t spoken to agency personnel yet about what happened.
Asked for comment, a Secret Service spokesperson referred NBC News to DHS.
It’s not clear where or exactly when the theft occurred and what else her bag contained. It’s also unclear whether Noem was specifically targeted.
Noem has been an outspoken member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet as she has pushed his hard-line policies of deporting undocumented immigrants and fortifying the U.S.-Mexico border to slow illegal migration.
Before joining the administration, Noem was the governor of South Dakota and served as a member of the House.
