The US Secret Service operates under the motto “Worthy of Trust & Confidence,” and is widely regarded as an elite force. It is one of the agencies overseen by Kristi Noem, US Homeland Security Secretary.
Recently her handbag, containing her security badge, passport, keys and $3,000 in cash was stolen while she was dining with her family at Capital Burger, a restaurant in Washington DC.
Kristi Noem
Ms. Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota before joining the Trump administration, has drawn attention for her provocative social media posts, including a video from a Salvadoran prison in which she wore an Immigration and Customs Enforcement cap and a Rolex watch. In the video she warns that “if you come to our country illegally, this is one of the consequences you could face.”
As homeland security secretary, Ms. Noem runs a department that oversees the nation’s security. Its responsibilities include border control and immigration, terrorism protection and cybersecurity. Agencies within the department include FEMA, the emergency agency; the Coast Guard; and the Secret Service.
The thief
The Secret Service, which provides security for Noem, reviewed security camera footage at the Capital Burger restaurant and saw an unknown white male wearing a medical mask steal her bag and leave the restaurant, a law enforcement source said.
The thief got away with Noem’s driver’s licence, medication, apartment keys, passport, DHS access badge, makeup bag, blank checks and about $3,000 in cash.
Another gaffe
The US administration has had several missteps. President Trump supports Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth despite reports that he shared details of a Yemen attack in a message group with his wife, brother and personal lawyer – his second security lapse using Signal.
This latest incident, involving Ms Noem, further damages the reputation of Trump’s administration and the US internationally. How long he puts up with it is anyone’s guess but when his fuse blows, expect firings via Truth Social.
