Story perspectives

Senators Probe Noem for Possible Perjury in Ad Deals

3/7/2026

Summary

Senators Probe Noem

Senators Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal investigate the former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for potential perjury about a $220 million ad campaign.
They probe contracts awarded to firms tied to Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski, including a $143 million no-bid deal with Safe America Media.
The inquiry has drawn bipartisan criticism of Noem's contract management and could reveal further issues as Markwayne Mullin prepares to take over the department.

Summary

Trump Fires Noem

U.S. President Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, March 5, 2026, after a congressional hearing regarding an alleged affair with aide Corey Lewandowski.
Sources said her inability to deny the affair and a $220 million ad campaign contributed to the dismissal.
Trump cited frustration with Noem's self-promotion and management, overshadowing the immigration agenda.
Noem will become a Western Hemisphere security coalition envoy, a tenure marked by immigration-related deaths.

History

Historical Context

The Watergate scandal in 1973 forced President Nixon to resign, highlighting the need for political accountability in the U.S. This historical scrutiny resonates today as South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces allegations of perjury related to a $220 million ad campaign. Bipartisan criticism from Senators Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal underscores ongoing concerns about transparency in government contracts, potentially influencing future accountability measures.

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Senators Probe Noem

Senators Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal investigate the former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for potential perjury about a $220 million ad campaign.
They probe contracts awarded to firms tied to Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski, including a $143 million no-bid deal with Safe America Media.
The inquiry has drawn bipartisan criticism of Noem's contract management and could reveal further issues as Markwayne Mullin prepares to take over the department.

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