Style experts slam ICE Barbie Kristi Noem for dressing more like a 'media personality' than 'cabinet official'
Noem, 53, began her political career as a member of the South Dakota state house of representatives in 2007, later sitting as the Governor of South Dakota before she was appointed to President Trump's cabinet.
Since she's moved up in political ranks, it appears that her style has as well, as she's been seen sporting a myriad of designer labels in recent months, even wearing a $50,000 Rolex watch during a March visit to a prison in El Salvador.
And her dramatic ensembles have even earned her the nickname 'ICE Barbie' in recent months.
Her signature look now includes long, waved locks and a face of full glam and she often sports bold and dramatic ensembles.
It's a far cry from her previous outfits as a member of The House of Reps, and even Governor, when she would wear flannel shirts and rocked a short, feathered hairdo.
And according to style experts, her change in appearance could represent something deeper.
Elena Mensch, founder of Velvet Image Lab, told the Daily Mail that as Governor, Noem's outfits gave the message that said 'I'm one of you' - wearing things like cowboy boots and rancher hats.
'It worked because cowboy culture runs deep there. Now as Secretary? Everything's shifted toward high-glam production: the enhanced makeup, completely new hairstyle, body-conscious cuts that emphasize femininity over authority,' Mensch shared.
The professional stylist explained that Noem has now traded her 'authentic western vibe' for something that's more fitting for a 'media personality' than a 'cabinet official.'
'Some experts think she's simply trying to fit Trump's type, trading authority for femininity,' Mensch said.
'But here's what I see: a recently promoted woman who hasn't figured out her new visual language yet.'
'She's throwing everything at the wall – glamorous party girl one day, tactical tough guy the next, prairie rancher on weekends,' she continued.
At the end of the day, Mensch said that the 'real problem' is the fact that the Secretary hasn't picked a lane.
'Instead, we get this bizarre mashup – full glam makeup and perfect blowout... while wearing a bulletproof vest on ICE raids,' the expert shared.
'No actual service member operates with loose hair flying – it's dangerous and impractical.
'As well as no one goes to visit deportees in detention wearing $50K gold Rolex – it's just not a good idea.
'Actually, it's the perfect metaphor for her whole approach – luxury aesthetics meets law enforcement cosplay,' she added.
'But when you're trying to be everything at once, it's just not working – you just send mixed signals and confuse everyone.'
Cynthia Kennedy, CEO of Cynthia Kennedy Stylist & Your Style Transformation Academy, seemed to have a similar take on Noem's evolved style.
'When she was Governor, Kristi's style had that polished, conservative politician look - structured dresses, blazers, and neutral color palettes,' Kennedy told the Daily Mail.
'Since she's received her new role and has stepped onto a bigger national stage, she's moved toward a sleeker, more tailored aesthetic that feels more high-fashion and image-conscious,' she noted.
And there's one style that Kennedy believes Noem might want to stay away from: clothes that have an 'ultra bodycon fit' to them.
'While they can look striking, they sometimes toe the line between polished and overdone for a political setting,' the styling expert explained.
'Slightly softer tailoring - think a little more drape in the skirt or a wider-leg trouser - could still look powerful but would bring a modern ease to her style,' Kennedy said.
'It would keep the sophistication she's aiming for but feel less "on the nose" in terms of formality and fit.'
Last week, Noem lashed out at South Park for mocking her looks.
Speaking with conservative political commentator Glenn Beck on his podcast, Noem described the content as 'lazy.'
'I didn't get to see it, I was going over budget numbers. I just think it never ends, it's lazy to constantly make fun of women for how they look,' she said.
'Always the liberals and extremists do that, if they wanted to criticize my job go ahead and do that but clearly they can't. They just pick something petty like that.'
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27 minutes ago
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