DHS Under Kristi Noem Funnels Millions to GOP-Aligned Campaign Group

A ProPublica investigation in November 2025 revealed that under DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the department awarded more than $26 million in public funds to Strategy Group, a Republican-friendly advertising firm. The federal money, ostensibly aimed at border and drug prevention messaging, was largely spent on high-priced ads in GOP markets and included significant personal travel perks for Noem and senior aides. Ethics experts cited the arrangement as a flagrant example of corruption and abuse of power.