News - Taxpayer Money Under Scrutiny: The $20,000 Horse Rental in Noem Ad Campaign

In a recent development, over $200,000 of taxpayer funds have raised eyebrows as they were used for the production of an immigration advertisement featuring Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security Secretary. The advertisement, showcasing Noem on horseback at the iconic Mount Rushmore, involved significant expenses that have now come to light. A considerable $20,000 was allocated for horse rental, one of the notable costs revealed among various other expenses. The subcontractor responsible for producing the ad, The Strategy Group, received a striking $60,000 'signing bonus.' The company has ties to notable figures, with its CEO married to the former DHS spokesperson, and connections with Noem's aide, Corey Lewandowski. Detailed cost breakdown for the advertisement includes: - $107,405 in labor charges to The Strategy Group Company - $60,000 'signing bonus' to The Strategy Group Company - $52,599 for videography, photography, and production services - $20,000 for horse rental - $3,781 for hair and makeup - $500 to Magic Makers, Inc., a Sioux Falls-based magic store - $41,852 to other miscellaneous vendors The total taxpayer expenditure equals $286,137. These figures were brought to light by Democratic Senators Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal, who have been vocal in seeking transparency regarding this spending. They've reached out to advertising firms, demanding records and further information about their roles in placing the advertisement. Noem has faced bipartisan scrutiny over the ad contract and its selection process during a Senate panel investigation. Her tenure as Homeland Security Secretary concluded with her termination by President Donald Trump. Her successor, Markwayne Mullin, a Republican Senator from Oklahoma, was confirmed by the Senate earlier this week. As this situation unfolds, more information is anticipated, with transparency and accountability at the center of ongoing discussions.