ICE Barbie Held Up Texas Aid While Polling Instagram for Portrait Picks
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sparked controversy after inviting her social media followers to vote on their favorite horseback portrait of her, a move that many deemed inappropriate given the ongoing disaster in Texas.
Known online as 'ICE Barbie,' Noem shared three potential official portraits as she prepares to represent South Dakota. The images showcase her in various poses on horseback, prompting some users to question her priorities during a time of crisis.
“Which one do you like for the official Governor’s portrait to hang in the South Dakota State Capitol?” she asked her followers on Instagram, thanking the artist David Uhl for his work.
The first portrait features Noem in a collared white shirt and matching pants, gazing thoughtfully to the side. The second captures her in motion, clad in white fringe pants and a gray zip hoodie, while the third shows her with arms crossed, looking off into the distance. Each image highlights her long hair flowing beneath a beige cowboy hat.
Responses varied among her followers. One user praised the third image for its portrayal of determination, while another expressed a preference for the first portrait, calling it beautiful. “2 captures your pursuit of making America safe again,” remarked another follower, emphasizing the action depicted in that image.
However, not all comments were supportive. Some users diverted from the poll to question the absence of her dog, Cricket, referencing a controversial incident from her past. “Where’s Cricket?” one user asked, alluding to Noem's admission of shooting the dog two decades ago.
👁️ Into the strange, the chilling, or the downright unbelievable?
Join r/ShadowReports — a community for unsettling facts, terrifying news, and bizarre true stories that stick with you. If it’s awful, eerie, or just plain wild, you’ll find it here.
👉 Explore r/ShadowReportsTrending Amazon Finds
Criticism intensified as many pointed out the timing of her post amidst devastating floods in Texas that have claimed over 100 lives. “70+ dead, many of them children… and THIS IS WHAT THE PUPPY SHOOTER IS POSTING RIGHT NOW?” one user exclaimed, highlighting the disconnect between her social media activity and the gravity of the situation.
Noem had visited Texas over the weekend, where she was expected to address the federal response to the disaster. Critics noted that as head of the Department of Homeland Security, her focus should be on aiding those affected by the floods rather than promoting personal imagery.
“Maybe the one with the flood, and you doing nothing about it,” suggested another commenter, reflecting widespread frustration with her perceived insensitivity.
This is not the first time Noem has faced backlash for her social media presence. In March, she was criticized for wearing flashy jewelry while visiting a detention facility in El Salvador. “Wearing what appears to be a $50k gold Rolex Daytona to film a threat of due-process free rendition to a third-world prison is a really special touch,” remarked a civil rights litigator.
In April, she posted a video showcasing her handling a firearm incorrectly while dressed in tactical gear alongside ICE agents, further fueling criticism regarding her portrayal of serious issues. Conservative commentators have urged her to stop glamorizing her role and focus on substantive action instead.
As public scrutiny continues, Noem's social media strategy raises questions about the appropriateness of personal branding during national crises.
