ProPublica Alleges Noem Fast-Tracked FEMA Aid After Donor Intervention

(Undated) — ProPublica is accusing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of political favoritism in FEMA disaster aid. The watchdog outlet reports Noem delayed funding for several states but fast-tracked 11-million dollars to rebuild a pier in Naples, Florida, after a past South Dakota gubernatorial campaign donor stepped in. That donor, Naples cardiologist Sinan Gursoy, gave 25-thousand dollars to Noem’s re-election campaign in 2022. Noem’s office denies any favoritism, calling the report “an ugly lie” and saying the project has been in the works for years.