Valuetainment “They Said I Was KILLING People” - DHS Sec Kristi Noem DOUBLES DOWN On DEFYING COVID Lockdowns
Mar 18, 2026
Kristi Noem, former South Dakota governor and current DHS leader known for conservative stances, explains why she refused COVID lockdowns and stood by personal-responsibility policies. She discusses alleged surveillance, a secret DHS file room, and efforts to counter foreign influence in agriculture and tech. Short, direct stories on controversy, sovereignty, and bold policymaking.
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Decision Making Rooted In Constitutional Limits
- Kristi Noem framed pandemic decisions around constitutional limits and personal responsibility rather than mandates.
- She kept South Dakota open, arguing shutdowns would be an unconstitutional taking and that trusting citizens produced better outcomes.
Doubled Down On Keeping South Dakota Open
- Noem recounted never closing businesses, never mandating masks, and relying on personal responsibility throughout COVID.
- She said national media attacked her, claiming she was "killing people," yet South Dakota had lower loss of life and economic growth.
Trust Citizens And Avoid Heavy Mandates
- Trust citizens with information and rely on personal responsibility instead of heavy-handed mandates.
- Noem argued this approach preserved freedoms, limited liability for the state, and led to economic and demographic gains.