California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for the remaining funds from a controversial $220 million advertising campaign overseen by former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be redirected to victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. Noem was fired by President Donald Trump earlier this week amid scrutiny over the ad campaign and other issues.
In a statement released on Friday, Newsom accused Noem of delaying more than $500 million in FEMA funding for LA fire recovery while spending taxpayer money on a political ad campaign featuring herself on horseback. “Families in Los Angeles shouldn’t have to wait while she and Donald Trump play politics,” Newsom said. “Release the funding now and redirect those dollars to help communities rebuild.”
Newsom alleged that Noem’s policy of personally signing off on agency contracts and grants valued above $100,000 had delayed key recovery contracts. He noted that communities in the San Gabriel foothills and areas near Pasadena and Altadena still have damaged park facilities and patched-up roadways awaiting federal reimbursement. Schools also await funds to rebuild burned facilities.
The ad campaign, which included a segment of Noem on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore, was reportedly launched with Trump’s approval, a claim the president has denied. Noem has also faced criticism for military-style immigration operations and major reductions in FEMA staff. A report by Senate Democrats found that under Noem, more than 1,000 FEMA contracts, grants, and awards were delayed.
A DHS spokesperson denied systemic delays, stating that Noem’s review process was designed to expedite funding requests. The Independent has sought comment from DHS on Newsom’s statement. The January wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, killed at least 31 people and destroyed an estimated 16,000 structures.
