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Noem Faces Scrutiny Over Staffer's Riot Presence

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. faces-scrutiny-over-staffer-s-riot-presence.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 12:13 GMT by The Independent
      Locales: Minnesota, South Dakota, District of Columbia, UNITED STATES

Sioux Falls, South Dakota - February 14th, 2026 - South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is navigating a renewed wave of criticism following her recent assertion that she was unaware of her former staffer, Elise Bean, being present at the 2020 Minneapolis riots. Bean, currently the Chief of Staff to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, previously served under Governor Noem from 2015 to 2017, a detail that is now fueling accusations of selective memory and potential misrepresentation.

The controversy surfaced during a podcast interview where Ms. Noem stated, "I didn't know she was there." This seemingly simple statement has ignited a firestorm of debate, with critics questioning the plausibility of the governor's claim given the professional relationship she shared with Bean. The core of the issue isn't merely that Bean was present at the protest - protests were widespread following the death of George Floyd - but rather the questions it raises about transparency and what Ms. Noem knew, and when she knew it.

The timing of this revelation is particularly sensitive, as Ms. Noem continues to be a prominent figure in national conservative circles. A staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, she remains a vocal opponent of the Biden administration's immigration policies. Her unwavering support for Trump, and persistent criticism of his political opponents, has often positioned her as a lightning rod for controversy. Now, with speculation still circulating regarding a potential vice-presidential run alongside Trump in a future election, scrutiny of her past - and her recollections of it - is intensifying.

Critics argue Ms. Noem's claim is a deliberate attempt to distance herself from a potentially damaging association. Social media has been ablaze with commentary, with one prominent tweet stating, "Kristi Noem is trying to rewrite history. She knew Elise Bean was in Minneapolis and is now trying to distance herself from her involvement in the riot." Beyond social media, political analysts are also weighing in. "It's highly unusual for a governor to claim ignorance of the actions of a former key staffer, especially when those actions occurred during a highly publicized event," notes Dr. Evelyn Reed, a political science professor at the University of South Dakota. "Even if she didn't have direct knowledge of Bean's presence during the riot, the expectation would be that such information would have surfaced during routine background checks or vetting processes, particularly given Bean's current high-profile position at the Department of Homeland Security."

The incident also brings into focus the broader narrative surrounding the Minneapolis protests and the subsequent investigations. The riots, sparked by the death of George Floyd, were marked by widespread unrest, looting, and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. Determining the extent of any individual's involvement, and their motivations, has proven to be complex. While Bean's presence alone does not imply any wrongdoing, it has naturally raised eyebrows considering her current role overseeing national security.

Furthermore, questions are being asked about whether Ms. Noem's team proactively attempted to conceal Bean's presence at the riot. Was there an internal review conducted at the time? If so, what were the findings? These questions remain unanswered, and Ms. Noem has yet to provide a detailed accounting of her knowledge of the matter.

This isn't the first time Ms. Noem has faced scrutiny over her handling of state affairs and her political maneuvering. Past controversies have included concerns about the use of state funds for personal travel and questions surrounding transparency in campaign finance. These recurring issues have led to a perception amongst some observers that Ms. Noem prioritizes political ambition over open governance.

As the situation unfolds, legal experts suggest there is little legal recourse unless evidence emerges to suggest Ms. Noem deliberately misled the public or obstructed an investigation. However, the political ramifications could be significant, potentially impacting her future prospects and eroding public trust. The coming weeks will likely see increased pressure on Ms. Noem to provide a more comprehensive explanation of her knowledge regarding Elise Bean's involvement in the Minneapolis riot and address the growing concerns about transparency within her administration.