By Charles Switzer
5:00am PDT, Mar 9, 2025
Noem Pushes Back Against Reports on Government Spending
Homeland Security Secretary
Kristi Noem took legal action against
The Dakota Scout, accusing the South Dakota-based news outlet of falsely reporting that she personally racked up $650,000 dollars in government credit card expenses during her tenure as governor. Noem's legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding that the publication retract its claims, arguing that Noem had charged only $2,056.72 of the total.
The rest, according to records reviewed by
Fox News Digital, covered expenses for the governor's office, including security costs. The letter calls the reports "false, misleading and deceptive," warning that legal action could follow if corrections are not made.
Here's what happened.
MORE:
Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news
Media Outlet Stands Firm Amid Legal Threats
Despite Noem's legal team demanding a retraction,
The Dakota Scout co-founders
Jonathan Ellis and
Joe Sneve remained defiant. In response to the cease-and-desist letter, they told
Fox News Digital, "We stand by our reporting, and wish Sec. Noem well on her endeavors."
The publication obtained the expense records earlier this year through an open records lawsuit and launched a
searchable database of all transactions tied to the governor's office. While they later acknowledged that both Noem and her staff used the credit cards, their headlines and framing continued to emphasize Noem's name sparking backlash from her team.
Supporters Defend Noem's Security Costs
Amid the controversy, former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik defended Noem, calling criticisms over the expenses "ludicrous." Kerik argued that high-profile officials like Noem require security, particularly given the threats she has faced. "A governor is never off-duty and requires the same level of protection regardless of whether they are in their home state or traveling," he told the outlet.
He added that security arrangements are determined by experts, not the protectee. Noem's past security concerns include a 2020 incident when a man was caught brandishing a knife and baton at one of her campaign events.
A Journalist's Past Controversies Come to Light
Much of The Dakota Scout's reporting on Noem's credit card expenses has been authored by Austin Goss, a journalist with a checkered past in South Dakota politics. Goss made headlines in 2023 when he was arrested for impersonating Noem in a prank phone call.
He used a spoofing service to make a call appear as though it was coming from Noem's personal number, playing a pre-recorded joke message. Goss was fired from his job at Dakota News Now and later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Despite his history, Goss has reportedly been considering a run for South Dakota state auditor, calling himself a "government watchdog."
The Political Implications of Noem's Legal Fight
Noem's legal team isn't stopping with
The Dakota Scout — they plan to send similar cease-and-desist letters to other outlets making the same claims about her spending. The battle highlights the political stakes at play, with Noem now serving in a high-profile role in the
Trump administration. A South Dakota political source shared that some within the state's political circles see attacking Noem as a way to gain influence.
"It's ironic that they want to be like her, but they do that by attacking her," the source said.
Whether Noem's legal threats lead to retractions or escalate into lawsuits remains to be seen, but the fight over her credit card expenses is now a national story.
