Tomi Lahren Criticizes Kristi Noem's $220 Million DHS Ad Campaign

Fox News host compares Noem's taxpayer-funded ad to Minnesota daycare fraud scandal

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Fox News host Tomi Lahren blasted outgoing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's taxpayer-funded $220 million ad campaign, comparing it to the fraud scandal involving a Minnesota daycare center. Lahren questioned how Noem could spend so much on a 60-second ad featuring her riding a horse in front of Mount Rushmore, saying it made Noem the "sideshow" and "topic of conversation" instead of focusing on important immigration issues.

Why it matters

Noem's lavish ad campaign, which cost nearly as much as the production budget for the 2021 film "Spider-Man: No Way Home," raised concerns about the misuse of taxpayer funds, especially as immigration was a key issue for many Trump supporters. Lahren argued that Noem's "antics" had overshadowed her work on border security, making her a liability for the administration.

The details

The one-minute DHS ad featured Noem on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore, saying "Why do I love these wide-open spaces? They remind me of why our forefathers came here. Not just for its beauty but for the freedom only America provides. I'm Kristi Noem." The ad concluded with on-screen text stating it was "Sponsored by the United States Department of Homeland Security." At a Senate hearing, Republican Sen. John Kennedy questioned Noem about the ad's $220 million price tag, asking if President Trump had approved it.

  • On Saturday, March 8, 2026, Tomi Lahren criticized Noem's ad campaign on Fox News' "The Big Weekend Show".
  • On Thursday, March 6, 2026, President Trump announced his intention to replace Noem as DHS Secretary with Republican Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.

The players

Tomi Lahren

A Fox News host who criticized Kristi Noem's $220 million DHS ad campaign.

Kristi Noem

The outgoing Department of Homeland Security Secretary whose taxpayer-funded ad campaign was criticized by Lahren.

Donald Trump

The former president who announced his intention to replace Noem as DHS Secretary.

Markwayne Mullin

The Republican Oklahoma senator who Trump nominated to replace Noem as DHS Secretary.

John Kennedy

The Republican Louisiana senator who questioned Noem about the $220 million ad campaign at a Senate hearing.

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What they’re saying

“I don't how you spend $220 million riding a horse by Mount Rushmore. I'm from Rapid City, South Dakota. Mount Rushmore is the backdrop of where I grew up. I don't you know how you spend that much to do that.”

— Tomi Lahren, Fox News host (Fox News)

“Why do I love these wide-open spaces? They remind me of why our forefathers came here. Not just for its beauty but for the freedom only America provides. I'm Kristi Noem.”

— Kristi Noem (DHS ad)

“How do you square that concern for waste, which I share, with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?”

— John Kennedy, Republican Louisiana Senator (Senate Judiciary Committee hearing)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.