Senate Democrats Expose Kristi Noem Spending $220 Million on DHS Ad Campaign With Lavish Horse Rentals and Cushy Contractor Bonuses in Washington DC

A whirlwind of controversy is swirling around former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem as Senate Democrats reveal staggering details of her $220 million ad campaign.

The campaign, intended to target illegal immigration, is now being scrutinized for apparent wasteful spending, questionable contracts, and eyebrow-raising perks.

How the Dollars Were Spent

The investigation led by Senators Peter Welch (Vermont) and Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut) uncovered that a newly formed company, Safe America Media, secured a $143 million no-bid contract to run the ads.

Shockingly, the company had been incorporated just a week before receiving the deal.

Safe America then subcontracted production to The Strategy Group, headed by Benjamin Yoho, the husband of former Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

The contract included a $60,000 “signing bonus” for Yoho’s company.

The spending didn’t stop there. Noem’s appearance in the campaign ads cost $4,000 for hair and makeup.

Horse rentals for campaign visuals added $20,000 to the tab, while labor and production costs reportedly reached $160,000.

In total, just over $286,000 of the hundreds of millions funded the five film shoots, 45 video ads, and half a dozen radio spots—leaving taxpayers wondering where the rest went.

“This looks like waste, fraud, and abuse to me,” said Senator Welch, highlighting concerns about fiscal irresponsibility.

Trump’s Role in the Campaign

The ads gained national attention not only for their content but also for who approved them.

Noem testified under oath that President Donald Trump gave permission for the campaign.

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Trump has consistently denied any involvement.

However, new statements from DHS officials and sources close to the administration suggest that Trump was aware of the campaign.

There are now calls for a “full audit” to track every dollar spent on the controversial advertisements.

A source told the Daily Beast: “The big question we are all asking is where did that money go?”

DHS Defends Contractor Decisions

The Department of Homeland Security has clarified that it did not influence the hiring choices made by contractors, stating that Safe America Media and People Who Think were the only companies selected and that contractors alone decide how to fulfill their agreements.

Joseph Folio, representing Safe America Media, said the firm “submitted a proposal for and was awarded a contract to support DHS’s nationwide public awareness campaign, and committed substantial resources to meet an accelerated timeline on budget.”

Public and Congressional Reaction

The ad campaign, which included Noem riding a horse in front of Mount Rushmore while warning illegal migrants to self-deport, has drawn intense criticism from lawmakers.

Representative Joe Neguse told reporters, “Corruption and self-dealing has become pervasive and endemic within the Trump administration—and the American people deserve answers.”

Noem has since been referred to the Justice Department for a criminal investigation over alleged perjury linked to her testimony about the campaign’s approval.

Impact and Consequences

The DHS ad campaign has now entered the top three most expensive U.S. government marketing campaigns in the last decade, ranking behind COVID-19 PSAs and military recruitment efforts.

Beyond financial scrutiny, Noem faces potential criminal investigation and political fallout, while the White House contends with questions over oversight and accountability.

What’s Next?

Senators and DHS officials are pushing for a full accounting of every dollar spent.

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, recently confirmed as Noem’s successor, inherits both the operational and reputational challenges of overseeing this controversial campaign.

The ongoing investigation could reshape how taxpayer-funded media campaigns are awarded and monitored, potentially prompting stricter contracting rules in the future.

Summary

Kristi Noem’s DHS ad campaign has become a cautionary tale in government spending.

From lavish horse rentals to questionable bonuses, the campaign’s $220 million price tag is under heavy scrutiny.

Legal inquiries and political investigations are underway, with potential ramifications for everyone involved.

Bulleted Takeaways

• $220 million DHS ad campaign led by Kristi Noem is under investigation for wasteful spending.
• Safe America Media received a $143 million no-bid contract just a week after incorporation.
• The Strategy Group, run by an assistant’s husband, received a $60,000 “signing bonus.”
• Hair, makeup, and horse rentals for Noem cost thousands more, with only $286,137 of the funds directly tied to production.
• Allegations of perjury and calls for a full audit by DHS and the White House are ongoing.