Senators Probe Noem-Aide Ties in $220M DHS Ad Contracts

Democratic Sens. Welch and Blumenthal asked Safe America Media, People Who Think, and the Strategy Group for copies of their DHS ad-contract agreements, lists of subcontractors, and any financial ties to Corey Lewandowski, as part of a probe into a $220 million no-bid DHS advertising deal linked to outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem. The contracts included about $143 million to Safe America Media and $77 million to People Who Think, with the Strategy Group as a subcontractor. The letters seek to determine whether any DHS personnel were compensated and how bidders were chosen, amid broader scrutiny of expedited contracting and Noem’s hearings; Noem has been ousted by Trump, who cited the ad campaign among reasons for the move, while Lewandowski serves as a special government employee. White House and DHS did not immediately comment.