Kristi
Noem
REPUBLICAN
South Dakota
Appointed Position:
Secretary of Homeland Security
Overview
During her time as South Dakota Governor, Noem showed that she has no qualms using taxpayer money to enrich herself.
As Governor, Noem abused taxpayer dollars for her own benefit. She used the state plane to fly repeatedly to political events, she spent $130,000 of state funds for a TV studio so she could appear on Fox News, she spent more than $60,000 on furnishings and a sauna, and personally pressured officials to give her daughter sweetheart treatment to get a real estate license.
Noem’s family operates the Racota Valley Ranch Partnership, a family ranch with an estimated property value of $1,049,400. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ranch received an overall $111,430 in PPP loans and $500,000 through the South Dakota COVID-19 grant program
South Dakota also awarded $100,000 in COVID grants to a business operated by Noem’s brothers, Rock and Robb Arnold.
The Facts
Noem has other personal ethics concerns over her investments in energy companies and campaign spending.
Noem’s family has currently invested tens of thousands in Granite Falls Energy, which itself is invested in a carbon dioxide pipeline. This pipeline is likely overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Customs and Border Protections, two agencies under the Department of Homeland Security. If confirmed, Noem could use her position to reduce regulatory burdens on the pipeline, resulting in increased returns for Granite Falls and its investors
Before becoming South Dakota Governor, Noem’s congressional campaigns accepted $130,000 from the defense industry, including $36,000 from the aerospace and defense conglomerate RTX Corp.
After becoming South Dakota Governor, Noem also opposed a state referendum imposing campaign finance restrictions and ethics standards. She also denied the results of the 2020 election.
On her financial disclosure, Noem reported owning a consulting firm named Ashwood Strategies, but did not report any clients or direct income.
What has this consulting firm been used for?
Who are the firm’s current clients, if it has any?
How has the value of the Racota Valley Ranch Partnership changed in the weeks since Noem’s nomination?
Does anyone in Noem’s family remain invested in Granite Falls Energy LLC?
Questions to Track