Democratic senators have initiated an investigation into three businesses that received $220 million in ad contracts featuring outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The inquiry focuses on whether Noem, her senior adviser Corey Lewandowski, or any other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee financially benefited from these agreements.
Senatorial Inquiry
Sens. Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal have sent letters to Safe America Media, People Who Think, and the Strategy Group, a subcontractor. The Strategy Group is managed by Ben Yoho, who is the husband of former DHS press secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
The senatorial letters indicate that Safe America Media secured a $143 million no-bid contract, with the Strategy Group serving as a subcontractor. People Who Think was awarded a $77 million no-bid contract.
Concerns regarding the non-competitive nature of these contracts first emerged in 2025 and were further highlighted during Noem's recent congressional hearings. The senators' concerns about potential financial ties between Lewandowski and Noem stem from public reporting.
The lawmakers requested comprehensive documentation from the companies, including copies of their agreements and lists of all subcontractors. They also sought information on any contractual, lobbying, or other agreements with Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski served as Noem’s adviser in a "special government employee" capacity. Furthermore, the inquiry asked if the companies directly or indirectly compensated any DHS personnel in connection with the ad campaign.
Secretary Noem's Departure
President Trump announced Noem's termination, effective March 31, with Senator Markwayne Mullin named as her replacement. An administration official stated that the ad campaign was among the reasons for Noem's removal, alongside leadership failures, staff mismanagement, and disputes with other agency heads.
Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the ad campaign's cost, stating he was unaware of it. This contradicts Noem's assertion at a hearing that the president had been informed about the campaign.
Related Concerns
Reports also indicate that Noem previously selected People Who Think and Safe America Media for a separate $100 million ICE recruitment campaign. In connection with this campaign, an employee who raised concerns reportedly faced threats of termination.