GOP launches New Noem investigation

House Republicans have opened a new investigation into a $220 million Department of Homeland Security advertising campaign tied to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, raising fresh questions about government spending and oversight.

Lawmakers say they are examining how the taxpayer-funded campaign was approved, who benefited from the contracts, and whether former adviser Corey Lewandowski played a role in directing key decisions inside the agency.

The probe is expected to focus on contracts, internal approvals, and potential conflicts of interest connected to the massive public relations effort.

House Republicans Begin Oversight Investigation

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, confirmed Tuesday that congressional investigators are already reviewing documents related to the advertising campaign.

Speaking at the House GOP retreat at Trump National Doral Miami, Garbarino said his committee has begun requesting information about multiple DHS contracts issued during Noem’s tenure.

“We’re already doing a lot of oversight and asking for a lot of information,” Garbarino explained. “There are a number of contracts we are reviewing.”

Garbarino also suggested that Lewandowski may have had greater involvement in department operations than previously understood.

“I think Corey had his hands in a lot and probably should not have,” the congressman said.

DHS Contract Approval Rule Created Delays

Another issue under review involves a policy implemented during Noem’s leadership that required the DHS secretary’s office to approve all department contracts exceeding $100,000.

According to Garbarino, the rule may have unintentionally slowed down the approval process for important government projects.

Lawmakers say the policy created administrative bottlenecks, delaying funding for programs including disaster recovery efforts and other federal initiatives.

Garbarino also claimed the rule slowed approvals tied to the construction of additional sections of the U.S.–Mexico border wall, a major priority for the Trump administration.

Trump Questions Massive Advertising Budget

The price tag attached to the DHS campaign has also raised concerns among Republican lawmakers — including President Donald Trump.

During recent congressional testimony, Noem indicated the advertising campaign had been authorized by the president.

Trump later said he was unaware of the spending.

Trump told NBC News he was not pleased with the spending, adding that his presidential campaign cost less than that amount and that he had not been aware of the advertising plan.

The president’s reaction has increased pressure on lawmakers to determine how the funding was approved.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said Congress will closely examine the issue.

“It sounds like the president has concerns,” Jordan said. “So we’re going to take a serious look at it.”

Contracts Linked to Newly Formed Company

Investigators are also examining the companies that received large portions of the advertising budget.

Reports indicate that approximately $143 million of the campaign funds were awarded to Safe America Media, a company that was incorporated in Delaware shortly before receiving the government contract.

Another subcontract reportedly worth more than $226,000 went to a consulting firm known as Strategy Group.

The firm helped produce a high-profile advertisement featuring Noem on horseback near Mount Rushmore, promoting the “American dream” for immigrants entering the country legally while warning of deportation for illegal entry.

Strategy Group is run by Ben Yoho, whose wife Tricia McLaughlin previously served as DHS chief spokesperson.

Both have said they had no direct involvement in the primary contract.

Strategy Group stated it did not contract directly with DHS, and McLaughlin said her husband has no ownership stake in Safe America Media.

Noem Says DHS Followed All Contract Rules

During testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3, Noem defended the department’s handling of the advertising campaign.

She told lawmakers DHS followed all federal contracting rules and said she was not personally involved in selecting the companies that received the contracts.

Despite that statement, reports indicate President Trump has privately asked advisers whether Lewandowski personally benefited from the campaign.

Lewandowski Denies Allegations

Lewandowski has rejected accusations that he improperly influenced department decisions.

He says his role was limited to advising and described himself as an unpaid volunteer working with the department.

Lewandowski also denied reports claiming he bragged about having broad authority inside DHS.

“Never said that,” Lewandowski told The Post. “I never asked for a pardon and have no reason to receive one.”

Republicans Signal Support For New DHS Leadership

As the investigation moves forward, some Republican lawmakers are already discussing the possibility of new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.

Several members of Congress have expressed support for Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who has been nominated to replace Noem.

Rep. Jordan said Mullin could help strengthen oversight and ensure taxpayer funds are properly managed.

Garbarino also noted that Noem faced significant challenges while serving as DHS secretary.

“She didn’t do a bad job,” Garbarino said. “She had a lot to deal with and didn’t always have the deputies in place to rely on.”

Investigation Expected To Expand

House Republicans say their investigation is still in the early stages.

Committees are expected to review contracts, communications, and financial records tied to the $220 million DHS advertising campaign.

Lawmakers say the goal is to ensure taxpayer dollars were spent responsibly and that federal contracting rules were properly followed.

More details could emerge as congressional investigators continue reviewing documents and interviewing officials involved in the project.