Kristi Noem’s presence—or rather, her striking absence in terms of engagement—didn’t go unnoticed during Thursday’s Trump Cabinet meeting.
While President Trump dominated the room, most of his cabinet chimed in, and cameras captured every interaction, Noem seemed almost invisible.
Observers noted that her body language alone told a story that words didn’t need to.
Sitting on the Sidelines
Communication and body language expert Judi James pointed out that Noem, 54, strategically positioned herself “in a spot almost out of reach of the cameras.”
Unlike other cabinet members who leaned forward or subtly signaled readiness to speak, Noem stayed still and silent throughout the meeting.
James noted that even a quick glimpse of her cheekbones revealed tense shoulders and hands gripping the arms of her chair—a posture that conveyed unease and a lack of expectation to contribute.
Silence Amid Controversy
Noem wasn’t the only cabinet member who stayed quiet; Attorney General Pam Bondi also didn’t speak.
But with Noem, the silence had extra weight.
She has recently faced heavy criticism for her handling of the fatal shooting of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti, and her controversial comments framing Pretti as a domestic terrorist drew public backlash after bystander footage contradicted her claims.
Trump Takes the Lead
President Trump spent about thirty minutes addressing the room and letting several cabinet members speak—but he did not allow questions from reporters, surprising White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins of CNN.
“It is incredibly rare for the president not to take questions,” she told her colleagues afterward.
She specifically noted that Noem, who stood to her left, was conspicuously ignored.
Noem Under Intense Scrutiny
The Homeland Security Secretary has been under a microscope due to her recent remarks on the Pretti shooting, with critics accusing her of inflaming tensions.
Her posture during the meeting—slightly slumped torso and constant, almost perfunctory nodding—signaled her quiet acknowledgment of the discussions without active participation.
Trump’s Distancing and Operation Metro Storm
As Noem’s public statements drew criticism, border czar Tom Homan took over leadership of Operation Metro Storm.
Homan outlined ongoing “targeted, strategic, enforcement operations” in Minneapolis and stressed that his approach prioritized results over photo ops.
Meanwhile, Trump maintained that Noem would not be stepping down, despite the controversy, and reiterated that the administration is “the most transparent ever”—even if the meeting offered no press questions on the contentious topics.
What the Body Language Said
Experts watching the meeting emphasized that Noem’s reserved demeanor and minimal interaction spoke volumes.
While other cabinet members reached for mints or straightened in anticipation of speaking, she remained visibly tense, silent, and observant—communicating more through her posture than any words she might have spoken.
A Future Uncertain
With criticism mounting and Trump keeping a cautious distance, Noem’s role in the administration seems increasingly tenuous.
For now, her quiet presence in Thursday’s meeting underscored a new chapter in her political challenges—one that leaves observers and reporters alike watching her every move.
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