"As homeland-security secretary, Noem personally generated more scandals over the past year than a normal presidency would muster in four. Her department approved $220 million in contracts for advertisements that feature herself warning illegal immigrants that they face deportation. One contract went to a firm that has ties to Noem, and the company's CEO is married to Noem's former spokesperson."
"Not only did the secretary spend lavishly to promote herself as a ruthless law enforcer, but she also lived in high style. Her department leased a luxurious plane with a queen bed, a kitchen, four televisions, and a bar. The official explanation was that the vehicle will serve dual missions-both as ICE deportation flights and for cabinet level travel."
"The Wall Street Journal reported last month that a maintenance issue had forced Noem to switch planes, and when the pilot neglected to move her blanket to the new plane, he was fired on the spot, before being reinstated because there was nobody else available to fly her home."
Kristi Noem's autobiography recounts her decision to shoot her dog Cricket for behavioral problems. This narrative parallels her recent professional difficulties as homeland-security secretary. During her tenure, Noem generated multiple scandals including approving $220 million in self-promotional advertisements warning illegal immigrants of deportation, with contracts connected to her associates. She authorized leasing a luxurious plane equipped with a queen bed, kitchen, televisions, and bar for departmental use. Additionally, she demonstrated sensitivity to personal comfort, resulting in a pilot's firing over a blanket incident. Simultaneously, Noem imposed strict budget constraints on other departmental operations, creating a stark contrast between her lavish spending and departmental parsimony.
Read at The Atlantic
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