Lawmakers Demand Probe into $220M DHS Ad Contracts Tied to Noem

UPDATE: Five U.S. senators and two representatives have urgently called for an investigation into how a firm linked to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem secured a significant portion of a $220 million ad campaign funded by taxpayers. This demand follows a revealing report by ProPublica that disclosed the firm, Strategy Group, worked secretly on ads featuring Noem, raising concerns of potential misconduct.

The legislators’ request comes in light of alarming findings that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bypassed standard competitive bidding processes when awarding these contracts. Instead, DHS allocated most funds to a recently established Delaware LLC, which was created just days before the deal was finalized. The Strategy Group, known for its deep ties to Noem and her aides, did not appear in any public documentation concerning the deal.

In a letter addressed to the DHS inspector general, four Senate Democrats, including Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), expressed their concerns: “The public deserves to know that government officials are not using taxpayer dollars to enrich themselves and their friends.” They urged the inspector general to investigate potential violations of federal laws designed to prevent corruption.

Separate letters from Reps. Bennie Thompson and Robert Garcia demanded all communications between Noem, her aides, and anyone affiliated with the Strategy Group or the Delaware LLC. They emphasized their commitment to uncovering any unethical dealings involving taxpayer funds.

The fallout from this controversy is significant, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling for Noem’s resignation, stating, “This is what corruption looks like.” Fellow Democrat Jasmine Crockett echoed these sentiments during a congressional hearing, claiming, “They’re stealing money from the American people’s pockets.”

The Strategy Group has a history with Noem, having played a central role in her gubernatorial campaign in South Dakota. Recent ads produced by the firm included a controversial segment featuring Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore, delivering a message aimed at immigrants. The contracts in question were awarded through the DHS Office of Public Affairs, overseen by Tricia McLaughlin, who is married to the CEO of the Strategy Group, Ben Yoho.

Federal contracting experts have raised red flags regarding the extensive connections between DHS leadership and the Strategy Group, suggesting serious ethical breaches may have occurred.

In response to inquiries regarding the investigation, DHS maintained that all contracting processes are conducted “by the book” and stated they were not involved in subcontractor selection. The DHS inspector general’s office has yet to confirm or deny the initiation of an investigation.

As this scandal unfolds, all eyes are on the DHS and Noem, with the potential for significant political repercussions. Lawmakers are expected to ramp up their scrutiny in the coming days, pressing for accountability and transparency in government contracting processes.

Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops.