Taxpayers Foot Bill for Noem's Hair and Makeup in Controversial Ad
Financial disclosures have revealed that taxpayers funded nearly $4,000 for hair and makeup services for Kristi Noem, alongside over $40,000 in other vendor expenses, for an anti-immigration advertisement filmed in South Dakota. The ad, which featured Noem on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore, warned illegal migrants to stay away and was part of a larger campaign costing over $200 million.
Details of the Ad Production and Costs
The advertisement was produced by The Strategy Group Company, which was subcontracted by Safe America Media. In addition to the hair and makeup costs, the production accrued $100,000 in labor expenses and a $60,000 signing bonus. These expenditures have sparked significant controversy, with Democratic Senators Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal criticizing the spending as "waste, fraud, and abuse."
Congressional Scrutiny and Consequences
The revelations led to a tense House hearing where Noem was grilled over questionable contracts. Following the scrutiny, Noem is set to step down from her position as Homeland Security Secretary. Donald Trump has denied approving the campaign, adding to the political fallout. Moreover, Noem has been referred to the Department of Justice for a perjury investigation related to the matter.
The ad's production included costs for horse rental and other logistical elements, contributing to the overall $143 million spent on the specific advertisement that ultimately led to Noem's ouster. This incident highlights ongoing debates about government spending and accountability in political campaigns.
