On October 2, during the government shutdown, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem filmed a television ad at Mount Rushmore. Dressed in cowboy attire, she delivered a strong message aimed at immigrants, stating, “Break our laws, we’ll punish you.” This ad is part of a taxpayer-funded campaign that has attracted over $220 million in contracts to combat illegal immigration.
Funding and Contract Controversies
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invoked a “national emergency” to bypass the usual competitive bidding processes for these contracts. According to reports, a consulting firm linked to Noem and her top aides has benefitted significantly from this campaign, with their involvement not listed in public contract documents. The primary recipient of the funds is a Delaware-based company, Safe America Media, created shortly before the contract was awarded.
The Strategy Group, which filmed the Mount Rushmore ad, maintains deep ties to Noem, playing a vital role in her South Dakota gubernatorial campaign in 2022. Concerns have been raised regarding potential violations of ethical standards due to the close relationships between DHS leadership and the Strategy Group.
Expert Opinions on the Situation
- Charles Tiefer, a federal contract law expert, called the situation “corrupt.” He suggested investigations by the DHS inspector general and the House Oversight Committee.
- Scott Amey, a general counsel at Project on Government Oversight, stated that there should be an investigation into how these contracts were awarded.
Ad Campaign Developments
The recent DHS campaign, initiated shortly after Noem took charge, aims to provide critical communications and combat misinformation related to border security. Federal advertising contracts typically consist of two main recipients: People Who Think, a Republican ad company, which has received $77 million, and Safe America Media, which has been allocated $143 million.
Both firms are expected to cover extensive advertising costs, including airtime on television and social media platforms. The DHS has maintained that all contracting is managed appropriately, distancing itself from the selection of subcontractors.
Background on the Strategy Group
The Strategy Group’s ties to Noem extend beyond contract awards. CEO Ben Yoho, who has worked with Noem since her gubernatorial campaign, has secured other contracts, including an $8.5 million state-funded ad campaign in 2023. Concerns remain about how this company continues to obtain taxpayer money given its connections to Noem.
Subcontractor Visibility Issues
Despite inquiries, the exact amounts received by the Strategy Group have not been disclosed. Furthermore, subcontractor information has not been revealed in publicly accessible federal databases, obscuring who has directly benefitted from these ad contracts.
DHS has reiterated its commitment to impartial contracting procedures while the scrutiny of these extensive financial transactions continues. With a significant advertising budget in play, the ethical implications warrant thorough examination, particularly given Noem’s unique control over funds exceeding $150 billion, established by recent legislation.
The revelations indicate a complex web of relationships and financial dealings that could shape the future of government contracting and ethical standards.
