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DHS Under Fire for $220M No-Bid Ad Contract

11/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A ProPublica investigation shows the Department of Homeland Security bypassed competitive bidding for a $220 million advertising campaign, citing a 'national emergency' at the southern border.
Funds flowed to the Strategy Group, a firm linked to Secretary Kristi Noem through her senior communications advisor, Tricia McLaughlin.
DHS denies wrongdoing and asserts impartiality, while critics, including former federal contract law experts, call for investigations over conflicts of interest.

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Story summary

A ProPublica investigation shows the Department of Homeland Security bypassed competitive bidding for a $220 million advertising campaign, citing a 'national emergency' at the southern border.
Funds flowed to the Strategy Group, a firm linked to Secretary Kristi Noem through her senior communications advisor, Tricia McLaughlin.
DHS denies wrongdoing and asserts impartiality, while critics, including former federal contract law experts, call for investigations over conflicts of interest.