Legal Team Demands Correction Over Mischaracterization of Kristi Noem’s Credit Card Spending

FIRST ON FOX: The legal representatives of Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security and former governor of South Dakota, have filed a cease-and-desist letter against a local media outlet. They claim the outlet has published false and misleading reports stating Noem charged $650,000 to a government credit card during her time in office. According to the documents reviewed by Fox News Digital, the actual amount spent by Noem on her government-issued credit card is approximately $2,056.

In the letter sent to The Dakota Scout, Noem’s attorney emphasized that the publication has been aware of the inaccuracies since at least July 2024. The communication pointed out the potential damage to Noem’s reputation, noting that such false reporting can lead to public misconceptions about misuse of taxpayer funds.

“Your website frequently misattributes all expenses on the governor’s credit cards to my client,” the letter states. This misattribution gives the false impression that Noem has violated state laws, which her office vehemently denies. The attorney’s letter demanded immediate corrections and retractions regarding these claims.

The Discrepancy in Reporting

The Dakota Scout has reported for several months that Noem’s credit card usage amounted to over $650,000 during her governorship. These claims have been echoed by various media outlets, generating significant attention. However, a thorough examination of receipts indicates that Noem only used her credit card about 30 times throughout her entire tenure.

An analysis of spending reveals a total of $2,056.72 charged directly to Noem’s personal government card. This stark contrast between reported figures and the actual expenses raises questions about the integrity of the original reporting.

Credit Card Expenditures Explained

While Noem’s governorship did involve expenses exceeding $650,000 across multiple state-issued credit cards, these charges also encompass costs related to officials and employees within her office. The attorney for Noem elaborated that the bulk of these expenses should not be categorized as personal spending by the governor.

Noem held the office of governor from January 2019 until January 2025, when she was appointed as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The media outlet, The Dakota Scout, was established in 2022 and focuses on the political scene in South Dakota.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

The Dakota Scout has scrutinized Noem’s financial expenditures closely, publishing articles that have labeled her state credit card spending as secretive. For instance, various articles have included headlines like “Noem’s State Credit Card Spending Kept Secret” and “AG Jackley Releases State Reimbursements Amid Scrutiny of Noem’s Credit Card Usage.” The outlet, however, has not always conveyed complete context regarding the state-issued credit cards.

In one article, the Scout indicated that Noem’s charges accounted for nearly $650,000. Yet this assessment failed to clarify that many expenditures were not solely attributable to Noem, casting her in a negative light. The task of clearly articulating which expenses were indeed hers remained unfulfilled.

Legal Reactions and Statements

The cease-and-desist letter from Noem’s legal team accused the outlet of defamation and demanded corrections to any misleading reports regarding her spending. Tim Murtaugh, a spokesperson for Noem, defended the governor by stating that accurate reporting should prevail over sensational narratives aiming to harm her reputation.

Murtaugh articulated that targeting a significant political figure for gaining attention reflects a misunderstanding of journalistic integrity. “These efforts serve merely to inflate their own profiles by attacking Noem,” he said. “She remains dedicated to her responsibilities, including ensuring national security.”

Background on Security Concerns

During her governorship and now as a national figure, Noem has faced legitimate security concerns. Critics of her expenditures must understand that the financial allocations also covered necessary security measures. Retired New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik discussed the necessity of effective protections for public officials, especially those who have encountered threats.

“A governor is always regarded as on-duty and is assessed for the level of protection needed based on the guidance of security experts,” Kerik explained. Heightened expenditures were essential given the potential risks aligned with Noem’s public role during critical periods, notably amid her controversial stances on COVID-19 mandates.

The Dakota Scout’s Stance

Despite the cease-and-desist demand, The Dakota Scout responded to Noem’s allegations with skepticism. Co-founder Jonathan Ellis dismissed the request for a correction, maintaining the outlet’s right to publish stories regarding public figures. He stated, “We do not comment on pending litigation, heh,” indicating a dismissal of Noem’s claims.

The outlet has faced scrutiny not only for its reporting but also for internal matters. Austin Goss, another journalist with The Dakota Scout, was previously in the headlines for impersonating Noem. This incident reflects ongoing challenges within the media group and raises questions about its credibility in reporting.

A Broader Context of Attacks on Public Figures

Reports of strategic attacks on Noem emerge from a small faction of South Dakota political operatives. Observers suggest a motivated attempt to undermine her influence within the state’s political landscape. Such dynamics can create a hostile environment for public officials and can distort the factual narrative surrounding their actions and decisions.

As the political landscape in South Dakota continues to evolve, Noem’s team is poised to address further allegations. Plans to distribute similar cease-and-desist letters to the media are underway, reinforcing Noem’s stance against what she describes as consistently false narratives.

Final Thoughts on Accountability and Transparency

The discourse surrounding Noem’s expenses underscores a pressing need for accurate journalism that holds public figures accountable without resorting to misinformation. There remains significant value in transparency and trust in reporting, essential for a functioning democratic society. The outcome of this situation may have implications that reach far beyond Noem’s personal and professional reputation, affecting the credibility of journalism in the region.