Government Ads Raise Questions Over Money and Connections
Senators Demand Answers Over $220 Million DHS Ad Deal
Senators Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal have formally requested explanations from three companies that secured a $220 million advertising contract for former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski. The firms in question are:
- Safe America Media – $143 million contract, awarded via a no‑bid process
- People Who Think – $77 million contract, also awarded without competitive bidding
- The Strategy Group, a subcontractor run by Ben Yoho, husband of former DHS press secretary Tricia McLaughlin
These contracts were signed outside the usual competitive bidding framework, a practice that began to draw scrutiny in 2025 and was spotlighted during Noem’s recent congressional hearings.
President Donald Trump announced his dismissal of Noem on Thursday, citing a “cumulative list of failures” that included the costly ad campaign. Trump also expressed surprise at the campaign’s expense, stating he was unaware of it—a claim Noem disputed in her testimony.
The senators’ letters reference a 2023 Pro Publica article linking the ad contracts to a firm connected with Noem. They are requesting:
- Copies of all agreements
- Detailed lists of subcontractors
- Any ties between the companies and Lewandowski
- Whether the firms compensated DHS staff, including special government employees such as Lewandowski, in connection with the campaign
While Democrats cannot compel responses, they are pushing for transparency. Reports suggest Noem also selected the same firms for a $100 million ICE recruitment campaign, and an employee who raised concerns reportedly faced termination threats.
White House and DHS spokespeople have yet to reply to the senators’ inquiries regarding any financial benefits received by Lewandowski or other DHS employees.
