When Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was rushed to a Washington, D.C., hospital following an allergic reaction, Americans on both sides of the aisle should have paused for a moment of basic decency. Instead, one major media outlet chose to mock — not report.
In a headline that immediately drew widespread condemnation, the Daily Mail published:
“ICE Barbie Kristi Noem Rushed to the Hospital.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been rushed to the hospital by ambulance, according to WH sources.
DailyMail’s headline: “ICE Barbie Kristi Noem’s rushed to the hospital.”
You don’t hate the media enough. pic.twitter.com/lAIN4bXeRR
— Sara Gonzales (@SaraGonzalesTX) June 17, 2025
Yes, that was the real headline, and yes — it remained online for over an hour before the backlash began to mount. The phrase “ICE Barbie” is a derogatory, flippant label that reduces a senior female Cabinet official to a stereotype and deliberately mocks her appearance while trivializing a serious medical event.
Critics from across the political spectrum swiftly condemned the publication for what many described as “gross,” “unprofessional,” and “disgusting” journalism. The incident reinforced what many Americans already believe about the media: that mainstream, left-leaning outlets too often abandon objectivity in favor of petty ridicule — especially when targeting conservative women.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that Secretary Noem had suffered an allergic reaction and was taken to the hospital “out of an abundance of caution.” Reports noted that she remained alert and conscious, communicating with her security team during the episode.
Thankfully, Noem is reportedly recovering well.
The Daily Mail article also referenced a brief incident involving Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), stating vaguely that he “tried to ask her a question” and was “hauled off.” However, it omitted full details about the encounter, including the fact that Padilla’s approach was disruptive, ill-timed, and widely viewed as inappropriate given the emergency at hand.
Despite that, the article gave generous space to Padilla’s complaints, including his statement that he hoped Noem “never have a moment like this”, portraying himself as the victim without context. The clear implication: Noem — the one taken away in an ambulance — was somehow responsible for Padilla’s dramatic moment.
🚨 #BREAKING: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been rushed to the hospital in DC
I can confirm she went by ambulance about 45 minutes ago, and that ambulance was escorted by multiple Secret Service vehicles
The nature of the emergency is unknown, but she is conscious and has… pic.twitter.com/0m4BASpm5X
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 17, 2025
