Kristi Noem Faces Backlash Over $640,000 in Taxpayer-Funded Travel Expenses

Newly released records reveal controversial charges and raise questions about fiscal responsibility during her tenure as South Dakota governor.

Kristi Noem, now Homeland Security Secretary, billed South Dakota taxpayers over $640,000 for travel-related expenses as governor, including $150,000 for non-state business activities.
Recent records detail contentious charges, such as a $2,000 flight change fee and $21 hotel-room movie purchases, sparking criticism from South Dakota Republicans.
Noem's office defended the expenses, citing security needs for high-profile officials, though critics argue the spending lacks transparency and justification.
The Dakota Scout lawsuit led to the release of over 3,000 pages of heavily redacted travel records, exposing trips linked to political and personal activities.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of Noem's fiscal management as she oversees the Department of Homeland Security's substantial budget and operations.