ICE Official Faces Scrutiny Over Funds for Pier Near Alleged Lover’s Home
Following a major donor’s complaint, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expedited over $11 million in disaster assistance funds for a Naples, Florida pier project that had stalled. The pier, a significant tourist attraction, had been damaged by Hurricane Ian, and city officials were facing delays with FEMA, overseen by Noem’s department. The donor, who had contributed to Noem’s campaign, reached out to the Secretary, resulting in swift action and a subsequent visit by Noem to the pier, with the trip expenses unclear. This occurred as FEMA faced scrutiny for delays, with Noem’s policy of personally signing off on large purchases contributing to bottlenecks.
John Q. Hosedrinker