Bryon Noem, Kristi Noem and a tabloid investigation, explained

Bryon Noem, the husband of former Department of Homeland Security Secretary and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, is trending online after a tabloid published an investigation saying he lives a "secret double life."

The Daily Mail reported that Bryon Noem practices cross-dressing. The report has not been independently verified by USA TODAY.

Here's what we know.

Who is Bryon Noem?

Bryon Noem is married to Kristi Noem, the former South Dakota governor who was removed from her role as DHS secretary March 5 and later named special envoy to a ​new "Shield ⁠of the Americas" initiative promoting Trump administration security policies in the Western Hemisphere.

The couple married in 1992 in Watertown, South Dakota, and have three children: Kassidy, Kennedy and Booker, according to the National Governors Association.

Outside of family life, Bryon Noem works in insurance and holds a degree in business finance from Northern State University. He coached basketball and worked on the Noem family farm after graduating and before becoming an insurance agent.

What did the Daily Mail report about Bryon Noem?

The Daily Mail reported on March 31 that Bryon Noem paid adult entertainers and cross-dressed while role-playing.

The outlet's report included messages, audio and photos that allegedly show Bryon Noem wearing women's clothing and using props.

USA TODAY has not independently verified the authenticity of the images published by the Daily Mail.

How have the Noems responded?

The New York Post reported that a spokesperson for Kristi Noem said she was "devastated" by the allegations.

"The family was blindsided by this, and they ask for privacy and prayers at the time," the spokesperson told the Post.

The Daily Mail reported that, when contacted by phone, Bryon Noem did not deny sending the photos or having explicit conversations.

USA TODAY reached out to Kristi Noem for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Why did this become a political issue?

The Daily Mail cited national security experts, who said that Bryon Noem's engagement in the adult entertainment community could potentially be used as leverage against Kristi Noem, describing it as "damaging information."

The Daily Mail reported that Bryon Noem responded to questions about the allegations and denied that he could have jeopardized national security or exposed his wife to blackmail.

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected] or on X @katecperez_.