Jamie Raskin Blasts Kristi Noem Over $220M DHS Ad Campaign and Jet Spending
Rep. Jamie Raskin sharply confronted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a House oversight hearing Wednesday, accusing her of directing taxpayer funds toward media campaigns and government aircraft purchases while leading the Department of Homeland Security.
The exchange immediately escalated tensions in the hearing room, as lawmakers questioned whether the department’s spending priorities reflected operational needs or political messaging tied to immigration enforcement.
According to reporting from Bloomberg Government and other outlets, lawmakers have focused heavily on a $220 million DHS advertising campaign that featured Noem prominently and was designed to discourage illegal immigration.
The campaign has drawn scrutiny because parts of the contract reportedly flowed through companies connected to individuals in Noem’s political network, raising concerns among critics about procurement transparency.
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“You budgeted an astonishing $220 million for media consultant contracts so you can star in self-promoting photo shoots,” Raskin said during the hearing.
The hearing also revisited criticism over DHS aircraft spending, including the Coast Guard’s $172 million purchase of two Gulfstream G700 jets, which lawmakers say could primarily serve senior officials’ travel needs.
DHS has defended the aircraft purchases, saying the jets replace aging planes and provide long-range operational capability for homeland security missions.
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But critics argue the combination of ad spending, aircraft acquisitions, and other controversies — including Noem living in a Coast Guard residence typically reserved for the commandant — raises broader questions about how the department is using federal resources.
The oversight fight is expected to continue as congressional committees review DHS contracting decisions and spending tied to immigration enforcement messaging.
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