DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Faces Scrutiny Over alleged Prioritization of Florida Pier Project
WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem is under fire following reports she directed Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) resources toward the rapid restoration of a historic pier in Naples, Florida, a wealthy enclave, raising questions about the prioritization of disaster relief funds. ProPublica first reported on the matter, detailing how the project was expedited following Noem’s involvement.
According too records obtained by ProPublica, a FEMA official stated, “Per leadership instruction, pushing project promptly,” regarding the pier’s reconstruction. The pier,damaged in recent storms,is located in a community known for its affluence. Noem visited the site in late August and dined with Naples Mayor Ravi Gursoy, according to his account.
The swift action on the Naples pier contrasts with concerns raised about the agency’s broader disaster response capabilities.last month, a group of FEMA employees warned in an open letter that Trump governance cuts and staff changes were leaving the U.S. unprepared for disasters. “Our shared commitment to our country…compel us to warn Congress and the American people of the cascading effects of decisions made by the current administration,” the letter stated.
Critics have pointed to past funding cuts and spending rules enacted during the Trump administration as perhaps delaying responses to disasters, including the Texas floods.
The Department of Homeland Security defended Noem’s involvement, stating, “This has nothing to do with politics: secretary Noem also visited Ruidoso, NM, at the request of a Democrat governor and has been integral in supporting and speeding up their recovery efforts.”
Further scrutiny centers on a doctor who reportedly contacted Noem about the pier project and had previously donated to her campaign. Corey Lewandowski, a political strategist, told ProPublica he was not involved in the pier project and was not in Naples during Noem’s visit.
