U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was taken to the hospital Tuesday after experiencing an allergic reaction, a DHS spokesperson confirmed.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital that Noem was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. The cause of the allergic reaction remains unclear, the outlet reported.
Fox said that Noem was alert and recovering from the episode. At the time of publication, it wasn’t clear when she would be released from the hospital.
Bruce LeVell, the former Executive Director of President Donald Trump’s National Diversity Coalition, took to social media to send his well wishes to Noem.
“My dear friend @Sec_Noem, our fearless Secretary of Homeland Security, was just rushed to the hospital,” LeVell wrote on X. “My heart is with her during this challenging time, but I know her strength and determination will shine through. Please join me in keeping Kristi in your prayers for a swift and full recovery.
“She has been tirelessly spearheading @realDonaldTrump initiative to uphold law and order and utilize ICE to keep our country safe from criminals. Let’s stand strong for her, just as she’s stood strong for America,” he added.
Charlie Kirk, founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, also took to social media in a shout-out to Noem: “Pray for Kristi.”
Last week in California, she held a press conference where U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, was forcibly removed as he attempted to address her regarding immigration raids. Padilla attempted to force his way toward Noem but was confronted by Secret Service agents who initially did not know who he was. Even after he announced his identity, he continued to struggle with agents before he was eventually taken to the ground and handcuffed.
Padilla recounted the incident during an emotional speech on the Senate floor Tuesday.
Homeland Security said the Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting the secretary, “thought he was an attacker.” They also accused Padilla of “disrespectful political theater.” And, given what happened last weekend regarding the assassination of a Minnesota state Democrat and the wounding of a state senator, supporters of Noem said agents were right to use force to protect her.
Noem told Fox LA afterward that she had a “great” conversation with Padilla after the scuffle, but called his approach “something that I don’t think was appropriate at all.”
Before being appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem served two terms as governor of South Dakota and was previously a member of Congress. A strong supporter of President Trump, she has stated that she specifically requested the Homeland Security position because it aligned with his top priorities, the Associated Press reported.
Earlier this year, Noem’s purse was stolen on Easter Sunday while she was dining out with her family. The purse reportedly contained approximately $3,000 in cash, her keys, driver’s license, passport, and Homeland Security badge. The Department of Homeland Security explained that the cash was intended to cover gifts, dinner, and other family activities during the holiday.
A suspect was arrested in connection with the theft and charged in federal court with aggravated identity theft, robbery, and fraud.
The male suspect is in the country illegally, the New York Post reported, adding that a second migrant suspect is still at large.
Noem was on an Easter outing with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., on April 20 when a masked thief stole her luxury shoulder bag.