House Republicans have initiated a comprehensive probe into a $220 million advertising campaign managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the tenure of now-former Secretary Kristi Noem. The investigation, which began recently, stems from growing concerns within Congress regarding spending practices, management oversight, and potential conflicts of interest associated with the extensive campaign.
The advertising initiative was designed to promote legal immigration pathways while simultaneously encouraging individuals residing in the country unlawfully to self-deport. A notable aspect of the campaign included advertisements featuring Secretary Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore, which has drawn particular scrutiny.
"I wasn’t thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president. I didn’t know about it." — President Donald Trump
Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) of the House Homeland Security Committee confirmed that his panel is actively examining the contract process and other departmental expenditures linked to Secretary Noem and her ousted top adviser, Corey Lewandowski. "Corey had his hands in a lot and probably should not have," Garbarino told the New York Post in an exclusive interview, adding, "We are looking into a lot of contracts." This statement underscores the committee's focus on the extent of influence exerted by Lewandowski in the department's operations and financial decisions.
Further details emerging from the investigation highlight specific financial allocations. Approximately $143 million of the campaign's budget was awarded to Safe America Media, a company incorporated in Delaware shortly before it secured the substantial contract, according to reporting by ProPublica. Additionally, a subcontract exceeding $226,000 was directed to The Strategy Group, a firm instrumental in producing the advertisements featuring Noem. This firm is led by Ben Yoho, who is the husband of Tricia McLaughlin, a now-former DHS spokesperson. These contractual arrangements have prompted questions from critics regarding the thoroughness of DHS's vetting processes for these contracts.
President Donald Trump also weighed in on the considerable expenditure, expressing his dissatisfaction. He told NBC News, "I wasn’t thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president. I didn’t know about it." His remarks indicate a lack of awareness about the scale of the campaign's budget and suggest a broader concern about the use of federal funds. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) affirmed that his committee is also involved, stating, "Our staff is just starting to get information in on that," signifying a multi-committee approach to the inquiry.
Beyond the advertising campaign itself, Republicans have voiced concerns regarding delays in critical departmental functions, including funding for border wall construction and disaster relief efforts. Chairman Garbarino attributed these bottlenecks to a policy implemented by Secretary Noem, which mandated that her office sign off on all contracts exceeding $100,000. While this policy was reportedly intended to prevent waste and abuse, Garbarino indicated that it inadvertently hampered essential department actions by creating administrative hurdles. He noted that while Secretary Noem "didn’t do a bad job," her deputies were not adequately positioned to fully support departmental operations under this new directive.
Concurrently, the DHS Office of Inspector General (IG) has been conducting its own investigation into how three businesses received the $220 million in advertising contracts, as reported by RealClearPolitics. Sources close to the investigation suggest that Secretary Noem and Corey Lewandowski may have impeded the IG's access to crucial data, raising serious questions about potential obstruction and retaliation against the watchdog agency.
IG Joseph Cuffari communicated his concerns to Congress, alleging that DHS leadership had obstructed access to intelligence programs and databases. These resources, he stated, were vital for investigations, including those related to border enforcement and Secret Service security lapses, notably surrounding the 2024 assassination attempt on President Trump. Cuffari described the alleged interference as "particularly troubling given the other reported attempts on President Trump’s life coupled with the present worldwide conflict."
DHS representatives have publicly denied any allegations of retaliating against the IG's office. Agency spokespersons have declined to comment specifically on the ongoing probe, citing standard procedure for active investigations. Meanwhile, the Inspector General’s office has confirmed an ongoing audit of grants and contracts awarded without full and open competition during fiscal year 2025, an audit that may encompass the Noem advertising campaign.
The multifaceted investigation underscores broader congressional and public concerns about the allocation of taxpayer funds, the imperative for accountability within federal agencies, and the necessity for robust oversight mechanisms within the DHS. Lawmakers are emphasizing the need for enhanced transparency and rigorous vetting of government contracts to ensure fiscal integrity and public trust. Amidst the ongoing controversies, House Republicans have expressed optimism about the future of DHS under incoming Secretary Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), anticipating that he will prioritize additional oversight of departmental spending while maintaining a strong focus on immigration enforcement initiatives.
