TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
February 12 , 2025
Washington, DC - Newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem has found herself at the center of a firestorm of criticism following reports that she was allegedly involved in the death of the iconic DuoLingo owl, a beloved symbol of the popular language-learning app. The controversy has raised eyebrows across the nation, blending political intrigue with online outrage and bringing unexpected scrutiny to Noem’s new role in the federal government.
Noem, who was confirmed as head of the DHS earlier this month, had previously served as the Governor of South Dakota. Her appointment to lead the crucial department overseeing national security and disaster management was widely praised by her supporters, who viewed her as a strong, no-nonsense leader. However, a shocking series of events this week has turned her new position into a political nightmare.
The scandal erupted after a cryptic post by Noem appeared on social media. In the now-deleted tweet, the Secretary wrote: “Some things need to be put down. The owl has had its day. #TheCostOfCommitment” The post was met with confusion at first, with many wondering if Noem was making a metaphorical comment about a political issue. However, things took a dark turn when a viral video emerged, reportedly showing Noem at a private event where she interacted with a person dressed as the DuoLingo owl. According to witnesses, the encounter appeared to be aggressive, though the video itself offered no concrete evidence of harm.
The incident quickly gained traction online, as language-learning enthusiasts, DuoLingo fans, and a growing number of critics voiced their concerns. The DuoLingo owl, a fixture of the app since its launch in 2011, has become a cherished symbol of perseverance and learning, often celebrated for its friendly, persistent nature. In response to the growing uproar, the language-learning platform issued a statement condemning any violence toward their mascot and expressing deep concern about the allegations.
“We are aware of the reports surrounding Secretary Noem and the DuoLingo owl,” the statement read. “DuoLingo’s owl represents millions of learners around the world, and we do not take lightly any actions that suggest harm to our mascot. We are currently investigating the matter.”
The controversy has only escalated as more details have emerged. Anonymous sources from within DHS claim that Noem’s tweet about “putting down” the owl was not an isolated incident, but rather a sign of deeper frustrations. Allegedly, she had expressed dissatisfaction with the role the DuoLingo app plays in digital learning during a private meeting with other government officials, though these reports have yet to be confirmed.
Political commentators have quickly seized on the incident, questioning whether Noem’s leadership at the DHS will be clouded by this bizarre and unexpected controversy. “It’s a strange and troubling situation,” said Laura Hawkins, a political analyst. “Kristi Noem is now heading the agency responsible for homeland security, and this sort of bizarre episode is only going to fuel concerns about her ability to manage a department as critical as DHS.”
The timing of the incident is especially precarious, given Noem’s recent appointment to such a high-profile position. As Secretary of DHS, she now oversees critical national security efforts, including counterterrorism, immigration enforcement, and disaster response. The incident has even prompted questions from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, with several expressing concerns over Noem’s judgment and ability to handle the responsibilities of her new role.
“I don’t know what happened here, but the optics are awful,” said Senator Maria Lopez (D-CA), a frequent critic of Noem’s political career. “We need a leader at DHS who is serious and focused, not one who is making bizarre comments or creating unnecessary distractions.”
Supporters of Noem, however, have rushed to her defense, dismissing the controversy as a trivial matter blown out of proportion by critics. Her spokesperson, Emma Richards, issued a statement late yesterday, claiming that Noem’s tweet was “taken out of context” and that the video was “misinterpreted.” Richards also pointed out that the Secretary had been busy with crucial national security meetings and had not had the time to address the online backlash directly.
“It’s important to focus on the work that needs to be done at DHS,” Richards stated. “Secretary Noem remains committed to securing the homeland and ensuring the safety of all Americans. This incident, while unfortunate, does not change her dedication to her job.”
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.