‘Cosplay Kristi’ Ridiculed Over Nonstop Parade of Costumes
From lipstick and bulletproof vests to cowboy hats, Kristi Noem’s work wardrobe has earned her a new nickname: “Cosplay Kristi.”
Ditching the typical White House attire, the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary began her new gig by tagging along on Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in full makeup, curled hair wearing a baseball ICE hat and bulletproof vest. She later joined Fox News wearing a completely different border patrol outfit—and so her first nickname came to be: ICE Barbie.
But on Sunday, 53-year-old Noem took her costume up a notch—this time, wearing a giant cowboy hat with her makeup and hair in full-glam mode on NBC’s Meet the Press.
Cosplay Kristi is at it again on Meet the Press pic.twitter.com/y8PcxHbk7y
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 2, 2025
“Definitely need that hat indoors while doing a TV hit,” wrote one user on X. “Keeps the sun out of your eyes.”
“She’s like Barbie,“ wrote another. ”Different action outfit for every day of the week.”
Noem later put the ensemble to use as she traveled horseback during a visit to Del Rio, Texas, Sunday with border patrol officers.
Secretary @Sec_Noem LIVE from the US Southern Border. pic.twitter.com/l5ExNwIGpd
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) February 2, 2025
The camera has followed Noem everywhere since beginning her new role: from meeting with border patrol agents and boat-riding with Coast Guard officials to full on ICE raids.
President Donald Trump, who chose the former South Dakota governor for the role, has also brought up her looks on multiple occasions.
“Don’t let that look fool you,” Trump said last week. “She’s tough.”
“This is what Trump wanted,” an X user wrote, referencing her costumes. “To Trump everything is a TV show.”
MAGA supporters, however, seemingly loved the new Trump aide’s closet of costumes.
“Looking beautiful in that bulletproof vest,” an X user commented on her post.
“Kristi Noem is beautiful, intelligent and effective,” wrote another. “That is true for all MAGA women!”