Fox Host Tomi Lahren Criticizes Former Boss Kristi Noem Over $220 Million Advertisement Campaign
Fox News host Tomi Lahren has publicly condemned her former employer, recently dismissed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, over a controversial $220 million national advertisement campaign. During a segment on The Big Weekend Show, Lahren accused Noem of fraudulent spending and wasting taxpayer money on an ad that prominently featured Noem riding a horse in front of Mount Rushmore.
Noem's Dismissal and the Advertisement Controversy
Kristi Noem was removed from her position as DHS Secretary on Thursday, becoming the first member of President Donald Trump's second-term cabinet to be fired. Her dismissal followed two incidents:
- The shooting deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis by ICE agents during immigration operations under her supervision.
- Intense congressional scrutiny over the $220 million advertisement campaign, which is now under federal investigation for potential corruption.
During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, Republican Louisiana Senator John Kennedy questioned Noem about the ad's exorbitant cost. "How do you square that concern for waste, which I share, with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?" Kennedy asked. Noem responded that President Trump was aware of the cost and approved the campaign, calling it "effective." However, Kennedy expressed skepticism, noting that while the ad boosted Noem's name recognition, it was hard to believe Trump would endorse such a high price tag.
Lahren's Personal Connection and Criticism
Tomi Lahren, who began her political career as an intern in Noem's congressional office, did not hold back in her critique. "I don't know how you spend $220 million riding a horse by Mount Rushmore. I'm from Rapid City, South Dakota. Mount Rushmore is the backdrop of where I grew up. I don't know how you spend that much to do that," Lahren stated.
Lahren also referenced a rift that formed between her and Noem after the release of Noem's 2024 autobiography, No Going Back, which included a controversial story about Noem shooting her 14-month-old dog, Cricket. Lahren, who was "disgusted" by the account, used the comparison to highlight alleged fraud in Noem's ad spending. "We have to be very, very fair here. If we're calling out in Minnesota for their fraud and their 'learing' centers, then you gotta call it out on your own side as well," she said, referring to a misspelled sign in a YouTube video about fraud at Somali-run daycares.
Corruption Allegations and Contract Details
The advertisement campaign is under federal probe for corruption, with allegations that Noem awarded no-bid contracts worth tens of millions of dollars to newly-created companies linked to her and her senior adviser, Cory Lewandowski. Reports suggest Noem and Lewandowski were having an affair, adding to the scandal. Noem has been married to Bryon since 1992, and they have three children together.
To put the cost into perspective, Noem's 60-second ad had the same budget as the 2012 Marvel film The Avengers, which runs for two hours and 23 minutes. Lahren argued that the campaign turned Noem into a "sideshow", distracting from critical immigration issues. "Yes, the border is sealed, thank goodness. Tom Holman has done a fantastic job," she said, but added, "when you become the story, and your antics off the job become the story, then you lose the plot."
Aftermath and Replacement
Lahren praised Noem's removal as "a fantastic decision" and expressed hope for her successor, Republican Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, who is pending Senate confirmation as the new DHS secretary. Closing her comments, Lahren said, "And also I would say, justice for Cricket," referencing the puppy Noem shot.
Noem has been demoted to special envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative, but the fallout from the advertisement scandal continues to dominate political discussions, highlighting issues of overspending and ethical breaches in government.
