Trump Administration Reportedly Plans PR Campaign Amidst Noem Criticism
Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Getty/Reuters
Is a $50 Million PR Push on the Horizon?
Recent reports suggest that the Trump administration is considering a substantial investment, potentially up to $50 million, in a public relations campaign. This move comes amidst increased scrutiny and criticism surrounding Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, particularly regarding her public image and policy implementations.
According to a planning forecast record from the Department for Homeland Security (DHS), this funding is designated as an “International Campaign Follow-on” to the pre-existing “Stronger Border, Stronger America” initiative, which prominently featured Noem. The DHS has stated that this spending isn't related to the coverage surrounding Noem.
Criticism Mounts Against Homeland Security Secretary
Kristi Noem has faced a wave of criticism and mockery since her appointment as DHS secretary. The critiques range from her media appearances to her approach to immigration policies. She's also been portrayed in a less-than-flattering light by popular media outlets. Recently, South Park featured a controversial episode referencing her memoir admission that she shot her own dog, leading to high ratings and further public discussion.
Funding and Potential Connections
The proposed PR campaign, slated to run from September through March, may involve People Who Think LLC. This company has ties to the GOP and Corey Lewandowski, who has served as Trump’s 2016 campaign manager. Notably, Lewandowski has been unofficially associated with Noem, and both have denied rumors of a romantic relationship. People Who Think has already been awarded significant contracts this financial year, raising questions about the process and potential conflicts of interest.
Early stages of the pre-existing messaging campaign featured Noem praising Trump's policies and delivering stern warnings to migrants. These advertisements presented a strong stance on border security and immigration enforcement.
Concerns and Questions Raised
The nature of the bidding process has been called into question. While DHS insists that the buys were "competitive," reports suggest an "unusual and compelling urgency" was invoked, potentially allowing for expedited processes. This has prompted concerns from Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee, who have requested documentation related to the campaign's expenditures and decision-making processes, citing potential misuse of taxpayer dollars. The DHS insists that this campaign warns illegal aliens to leave the country now or face arrest and deportation.
As this story develops, many are watching to see how these funds are utilized and what impact they will have on public perception and policy.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes information from publicly available reports and does not represent an endorsement of any political position.
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