Luxury timepiece on display as Homeland Security Secretary visits El Salvador prison
US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited a high-security prison in El Salvador on Wednesday (March 26) as part of her stance on illegal immigration. However, rather than her message, it was her wristwatch that stole the spotlight. Kristi Noem was seen wearing what appeared to be a gold Rolex Daytona, estimated to cost around $60,000, sparking widespread debate online.
Questions over affordability
While Noem’s office has not issued a statement on the matter, social media users were quick to question how the former South Dakota governor—who only recently stepped into her federal role—could afford such an expensive watch on a public servant’s salary.
“How does she buy a Rolex on a public servant salary?” one user on X (formerly Twitter) asked. Others, however, defended her, arguing that she is a “successful woman” and well within her rights to own luxury items.
One commenter wrote, “Isn’t she rich? She certainly didn’t have to worry about getting robbed.” Another added, “She’s successful. I’m sure that pissed you nerds off.”
A symbolic visit with a political message
Kristi Noem’s visit to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center was part of a broader message to undocumented immigrants in the United States. Speaking in front of a cell filled with Venezuelan prisoners, she warned of strict consequences for those entering the country illegally.
“If you come to our country illegally, this is one of the consequences you could face,” she stated. “This facility is one of the tools in our toolkit that we will use if you commit crimes against the American people.”
Her remarks align with former President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, reinforcing her role as a key enforcer of his administration’s agenda.
Online debate intensifies
While some focused on her immigration stance, others continued to scrutinize her appearance and lifestyle.
“I just wonder if our taxpayer dollars are paying for her hair extensions, daily hair & makeup, manicures, and all the clothes she wears when she’s playing dress-up,” one user speculated.
Another user drew comparisons to past controversies, stating, “There is nothing wrong with women owning expensive jewelry. Just like when Kamala had that expensive necklace, it’s irrelevant.”
Despite the online uproar, Kristi Noem has yet to respond to the criticism. However, as one of the most high-profile figures in Trump’s administration, her actions—whether policy-driven or personal—will likely remain under intense public scrutiny.