Kristi Noem Accused of Fast-Tracking Millions to Rebuild Destroyed Florida Pier Near Alleged Lover's Home… after Major Donor Hit Up Ice Barbie To Rage

Kristi Noem has ignited controversy by quickly reviving a stalled reconstruction project in Naples, Florida. Official sources reveal that an irate major donor initially urged actions regarding the delay, but deeper ties might suggest that personal relationships influenced her swift response.

The Naples Pier, notably damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022, had seen no progress in restoration as city officials sought crucial disaster assistance funds from FEMA—a department that falls under Noem’s political jurisdiction.

Frustrated municipal officials, including Republican Senator Ted Budd from North Carolina, have voiced exasperation at the federal response, citing barriers in accessing funds. Budd reportedly stated, “I can’t get phone calls back. I can’t get them to initiate the money. It’s just a quagmire.”

The delay stemmed from a new Department of Homeland Security policy requiring Noem’s personal approval for expenditures exceeding $100,000. Following a critical exchange with major donor, local cardiologist Sinan Gursoy, Noem responded by expediting over $11 million to facilitate the pier’s reconstruction.

The location of the pier is noteworthy as it is situated just minutes away from the residence of Donald Trump’s former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, who is also alleged to have a romantic relationship with Noem. The nature of their relationship has been described by insiders as “the worst-kept secret” in Washington D.C..

Despite denials from both parties about their relationship, Lewandowski insisted he was not involved in the decision-making regarding the pier and claimed he was absent from the area during Noem’s visit.

The DHS spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, responded to claims of favoritism, stating, “This has nothing to do with politics: Secretary Noem also visited Ruidoso, New Mexico, at the request of a Democrat governor and has been integral in supporting and speeding up their recovery efforts.”

Ruidoso faced severe flooding in July, which tragically resulted in the loss of three lives.

“Your criticism of the Secretary’s pier visit is bizarre, especially since she is working to resolve issues for over a million visitors who frequented the pier,” McLaughlin remarked.

ProPublica has reported that not only did Noem fast-track federal funds for the pier, but also utilized a government aircraft for an area tour. During her Naples visit, a dinner between Noem and Gursoy at a French restaurant drew scrutiny and accusations of favoritism, suggesting that political connections overshadowed the urgency of addressing community recovery needs.

Noem’s leadership has been called into question by critics, pointing to the slow response time for disaster aid, such as the prolonged recovery assistance following a flood in Texas this past summer, which claimed over 100 lives.

Senator Budd further explained, “Almost all expenditures related to Helene exceed $100,000. Consequently, they are accumulating on her desk, waiting for her signature.”

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Noem has also faced significant criticism for her portrayal as the face of ICE, receiving backlash for what some perceive as “cosplay.” Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly has publicly critiqued Noem’s attempts to dramatize the mission. Kelly remarked, “Stop trying to glamorize the mission and put yourself in the middle of it as you cosplay as an ICE agent, which you’re not. I can’t stand these photo opportunities.”

She continued, “No one wants you there while you put on a performance.” Kelly further called attention to Noem’s political rise, attributing it to her loyalty to Trump without the need for theatrical embellishment.