South Dakota
Kristi Noem refused to say who financed some of her travel. It was taxpayers who were on the hook
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — As then-Gov. Kristi Noem crisscrossed the country — stumping for President Donald Trump and boosting her political profile beyond her home state — she refused to reveal what her extensive travel was costing taxpayers.
In the weeks since Noem became Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, that mystery has been solved: South Dakota repeatedly picked up the tab for expenses related to her jet-setting campaigning.
An Associated Press analysis of recently released travel records found more than $150,000 in expenses tied to Noem’s political and personal activity and not South Dakota business. That included numerous trips to Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump resided before retaking office.
Most of those costs covered the state-provided security that accompanied Noem, irrespective of the reason for her travel. Over her six years as governor, AP’s analysis shows, South Dakota covered more than $640,000 in travel-related costs incurred by the governor’s office.
The expenditures include $7,555 in airfare for a six-day trip to Paris, where she gave a speech at a right-wing gathering, costs associated with a bear hunt in Canada with her niece and a book tour that included a stop in New York. An additional $2,200 stemmed from a controversial trip last year to Houston for dental work she showcased on Instagram.
Expenses spark uproar
The expenses, released last month following a lawsuit by The Dakota Scout, have incensed Republicans in the deep-red state, with several GOP lawmakers accusing Noem of tapping state funds to fuel her own political ascendancy.
The uproar comes as the Trump administration seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in government and as Noem has taken over DHS, the third-largest federal agency, with a budget and workforce many times the size of South Dakota’s.
The spending “offends a lot of people,” said Dennis Daugaard, a former Republican South Dakota governor, who added that costs generated by Noem’s ambition for higher office could’ve been paid with campaign funds.
Taffy Howard, a GOP state senator who clashed with Noem over her refusal to disclose her travel expenses, expressed shock at the price tag. “It seems like an incredible amount of money,” Howard told AP.
A spokesman for Noem, Tim Murtaugh, declined to answer detailed questions about the expenses but did not dispute that some of the travel lacked an apparent connection to state business. There’s no indication the former governor broke any laws having the state foot the bill for security expenses — even on trips that critics said benefited her more than South Dakota taxpayers.
“Unfortunately, bad guys tend to make threats against high-profile public officials,” Murtaugh said. “When it was a political or personal trip, she paid for her own travel out of her political or personal funds.”
Josie Harms, a spokesperson for Noem’s gubernatorial successor, said security requirements were “a matter of state business no matter where the governor may be.”
“The scope of that security is not up to the governor,” Harms added.
During her years in office, Noem frequently said that releasing the travel expenses would jeopardize her safety.
Lax disclosure requirements
South Dakota has relatively lax disclosure requirements for such travel expenses. Governors from both parties have used state funds to finance the travel expenses of their security details and staffers.
Critics called on Washington’s Jay Inslee, a Democrat, to reimburse the state for similar costs resulting from his unsuccessful 2019 presidential run. And Ron DeSantis, Florida’s GOP governor, also came under fire for racking up hefty travel tabs for his security detail during his bid for higher office.
Murtaugh, a spokesman for Noem in her personal capacity, questioned why Democratic governors were not being scrutinized for their travel on behalf of former Vice President Kamala Harris, their party’s 2024 presidential nominee.
“They maintained aggressive political schedules on behalf of Kamala Harris but somehow escape media attention for costs associated with that, while Kristi Noem is being held to a different standard?” Murtaugh wrote in an email.
The more than 3,000 pages of records released to the Scout by Noem’s successor included hotel receipts, restaurant bills and credit card statements.
Some expenses have no link to state business
The AP obtained the same records, as well as dozens of additional documents that show state officials acknowledged that “campaigning for Trump is not an official duty” of the governor in denying one of several requests to release her travel expenses.
The receipts are heavily redacted, so it’s not always clear who incurred the expense. Only 30 items totaling $2,056.72 were charged on the governor’s state-issued Mastercard, according to her attorney.
Some expenses seemingly had no link to state business, such as $21 hotel-room movie purchases. It’s also unclear who attended meals that included unnamed “federal officials.”
The state auditor questioned some of the charges, including the governor’s office’s use of a luxury airline travel agency for a flight to Paris and a $2,000 change fee.
The state also ran up more than $3,300 in late fees and interest. The record doesn’t indicate how much was paid in overtime for staff and security accompanying Noem on her political excursions.
“Spending for security detail, as well as where and when they are deemed necessary, falls under the discretion of the governor,” Jenna Latham, a supervisor in the state auditor’s office, wrote to AP in an email.
Most of the expenses were incurred as Noem became a rising star in Trump’s “Make America Great Again” universe and a contender to be his 2024 running mate. Her fortunes appeared to have suffered a blow after she revealed in a memoir that she shot and killed her farm dog, Cricket, after it scared away some game during a pheasant hunt.
This is not the first time Noem’s travel has come under the microscope. A state government accountability board in 2022 had requested an investigation into her use of the state plane to attend political events, but a prosecutor found no grounds for charges.
State known for frugality
The records raise questions about the necessity of the travel and the secrecy surrounding the expenses.
Noem’s office refused to release records related to a 2020 speaking engagement at AmpFest, a gathering of Trump supporters near Miami, telling a public-records requester the trip was “not for the purpose of the governor’s official duties” and no receipts existed.
But the newly released records include several transactions in South Florida on those days, including a rental car and a stay at the posh Trump National Doral Miami. Days later, South Dakota picked up the tab for gasoline and hotel rooms for Noem’s security so she could speak at a Republican fundraiser in New Hampshire.
“Noem’s travel doesn’t pass the smell test,” said Viki Harrison, program director for Common Cause, a nonpartisan group that seeks to limit big money in politics. “There should be a huge firewall between campaigning and official business.”
Noem’s predecessors traveled less frequently in a low-tax state that values frugality, both on the farm and from elected officials. Daugaard, whose official statue features him pinching a penny, said he reimbursed staff for purchases like ice cream.
Former Gov. Mike Rounds, now South Dakota’s junior U.S. senator, said he tried to keep partisan activity at “arm’s length” from state resources and was careful about what he put on the government’s dime.
Such thriftiness was required, he said, because his state is “so tight on everything to begin with, just in terms of having enough money to pay the bills.”
__ Goodman reported from Miami and Mustian from New York. Associated Press writers Stephen Groves in Washington and John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, contributed to this report.
South Dakota
Communities across South Dakota celebrate America 250 with fireworks, parades, and exhibits
MITCHELL — Happy birthday to you, America.
A series of events are planned in July to celebrate America 250, which is the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being signed in 1776 and establishing America as separate from the crown of Great Britain. Some America birthday events are multi-day, and others include exhibitions on America that extend past Independence Day.
The below list of these events in South Dakota:
On Saturday, July 4, the Mitchell Exchange Club will put on a fireworks display on the north side of Lake Mitchell, starting at 9:45 p.m. The theme this year is “Red, White and Blue, Through and Through.”
Republic file photo
Patrick Soukup, of the Mitchell Exchange Club, told the Mitchell Republic the fireworks show is perfectly timed with a radio broadcast on KMIT. Fireworks technician Paul Tol of P and J Pyrotechnics will have the fireworks display lined up with cables, charges and a computer. “He’s got the best view in the county,” Soukup said.
“He has everything loaded and ready to go, he just ties in the communication cables between pallets for the charges to fire at certain predetermined times throughout the 20 minute display,” Soukup said.
The show will have 12 pallets of pre-loaded canisters with fireworks. There is no reloading during the show, according to Soukup.
Republic file photo
On Friday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m., the First Fridays on Main Street by Mitchell Main Street and Beyond will feature an old school fire hydrant party with the Mitchell Fire Department, patriotic live music by the Layton Lee Band, and car show awards will also be given for red, white, and blue colored cars. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best red, white and blue outfits, and there’s something for the youth with a kids decorated bike contest.
Mitchell Main Street and Beyond Executive Director Elizabeth Luczak said her favorite part of last year’s celebration was watching the kids decorate their bikes.
“Letting kids decorate their bikes as red, white, and blue truly teaches the next generation how to really appreciate and celebrate their freedom on July 4, and just have fun with it,” Luczak said.
Republic file photo
On Saturday, July 18, the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo will have its annual parade down Mitchell’s Main Street starting at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “America 250: Red, White and Blue.” Floats will be judged on the categories of antique, horse drawn, humorous, youth, and best use of theme, among others.
On Thursday, July 2, Sioux Falls will host the Stars and Stripes Family Stroll at Arrowhead Park. Attendees must register for the event, which includes dressing up in red, white and blue.
On Friday, July 3, Downtown Sioux Falls Open Streets will have Phillips Avenue from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with shopping, activities, and live music. Also at 5 p.m., First Friday in Sioux Falls will have a Red, White and Blue Backyard Bash at Lloyd Landing. At 8 p.m. at Falls Park, take in the patriotic beauty of the Lighting of the Falls, and enjoy the colors of freedom.
On Saturday, July 4, the Sioux Falls Independence Day parade will start at 10 a.m. on Phillips Avenue, and the fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m. at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The pre-fireworks festivities start at 6 p.m. with live music, balloon twist show, and flyover.
On June 27 to June 28, the America-themed Rock the Country concert series will take place at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.
Through Oct. 16, the Center for Western Studies on the campus of Augustana University will have “Still Becoming: America at 250,” an art exhibition featuring the many dimensions of the American story — its landscapes, peoples, histories, and evolving identities.
Rapid City / Mount Rushmore
On July 3, a larger fireworks display is planned at Mount Rushmore. This event is ticketed. Public lottery applications for tickets took place in April, but watch parties and overflow viewings are planned.
On July 1 to July 5, the Real America Birthday Bash will be held in downtown Rapid City, stretching from Main Street Square to Memorial Park. The event features live music, a drone show on July 2, a patriotic parade on July 3, and fireworks on the 4th. A full schedule of the birthday bash can be found on the visit Rapid City website.
On July 4, Aberdeen is hosting a “Spirit of ’76” downtown parade at 10:00 a.m., followed by an evening celebration at Wylie Park from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The fireworks show is at dusk.
On July 4, Brookings starts out the day with a parade at 11 a.m., the Uncle Sam Jam at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m.
On July 4, the America’s 250th Community Mosaic Mural will be revealed in Brookings on the north side of the VFW at 520 Main Avenue. The public art piece measures approximately 20 feet long and features a patriotic flag and eagle design. The mosaic is composed of 950 individual tiles, each hand-painted by Brookings-area residents, organizations, and volunteers during community painting parties.
South Dakota State University is hosting campus-wide events, including a historical exhibition on the nation’s legacy that opens in mid-June and has an extended public reception on Aug. 7.
On July 4, in Chamberlain, a patriotic parade will start at 11 a.m. at the Avenue of Flags. Daily from 1 to 5 p.m., through July 4, the large conference room at the Chamberlain Community Center will be a walk-through pop-up museum featuring military regalia, artifacts, and displays to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial. A Rock the Bluffs fireworks show is planned at dusk.
On July 4, Custer will hold a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. at Pageant Hill in Custer. The event is free, and is part of a two-day festival running July 4 to July 5, starting at 10 a.m. with a classic small-town parade with local marching bands, vintage cars, and fire trucks.
On July 4, a parade through historic Deadwood will start at 3 p.m. The town is celebrating its 150th year. On July 4-5, at 1 p.m. each day, live music and entertainment will be held at Mr. Wu’s.
On July 5, a vintage “base ball” game will be held between Deadwood and Lead in celebration of both towns’ 150th anniversaries. The teams will play using 1877 to 1885 rules. The event at Mountain Top Field in Lead will begin at 10 a.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Northern Bills Brass Band. Following the game Lead will have a community potluck and BBQ.
On July 4, the Huron Independence Day parade starts at 10:30 a.m., a BBQ and vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be held at Campbell Park. Fireworks are planned at two sites, Ravine Lake and Lake Byron. Both displays are expected to start by 10 p.m.
On July 4, the day’s events in Interior include a parade at 10 a.m., a car show at 11 a.m., a corn hole tournament at 1 p.m., triathlon rodeo at 5 p.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m.
On July 4, the Madison fireworks show will be at 10 p.m. at Prairie Village.
The 100th annual Fort Pierre Rodeo performances will be June 30 to July 4.
On July 3, there will be a boat parade and a concert by Wade Hayes.
On July 4, there will be the annual parade and a B-1 Bomber flyover, and the grand finale fireworks Saturday night.
On July 3, Platte will host a birthday party for America at 11:30 a.m. at North Park with free pork, water games, and kickball and volleyball. Fireworks will follow a 7:30 p.m. baseball game at Platte Baseball Field.
On July 4, the Independence Day parade starts at 10 a.m. and fireworks are to start at 10 p.m. at Redfield Lake.
On July 3, the Spearfish America 250th Parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Spearfish High School and continues down Main Street.
On July 4, the Watertown Independence Day Parade will be held in Downtown Watertown. Candy toss will start at 1:45 p.m. followed by the parade at 2 p.m. The parade will take place rain or shine. City of Watertown Fireworks will be held at dusk on July 4th at the Anza Soccer Complex.
On July 4, the fireworks display starts at 10 p.m at Riverside Park in Yankton. There will be a week-long celebration starting on June 29, with live music, historical presentations, family activities, free museum tours, patriotic performances, food vendors, and special programs for all ages.
The capsule will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4. Here’s a look at what each state contributed to “America’s Time Capsule.”
‘America’s Time Capsule’ has been officially sealed. What’s inside?
All 50 states contributed items to “America’s Time Capsule,” which will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4 and will be opened 250 years later.
South Dakota sent a special edition of poetry to be sealed in “America’s Time Capsule” along with 200 items from every state, five territories and some institutions.
“This Far Country” is a suite of poems by South Dakota native Joseph Bottum celebrating four themes and symbols of the state: the meadowlark, chokecherry jelly, the homestead and rivers. The edition is illustrated by Jeanne Bowman and designed by Angela Corbo Gier.
South Dakota also contributed a letter from Gov. Larry Rhoden to the Americans of 2276, when the capsule is meant to be opened.
The time capsule has been officially sealed in commemoration of the United States’ 250th birthday.
The 900-pound steel cylinder contains over 200 artifacts, records and objects to tell America’s story when it is opened 250 years later.
The capsule will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4 as part of the hundreds of events for America’s 250th anniversary that will take place nationwide.
America250, the official nonpartisan commission designated by Congress to organize the July 4 celebrations, spearheaded the work to design the capsule and collect relics. All 50 states in conjunction with numerous national organizations contributed items (ranging from a vial of sand to an Olympic gold medal) reflecting the people, places and moments that shaped their history.
California contributed a NASA photo, an AI prediction and a fusion superconducter segment. Arizona contributed a copper ingot and a laser-etched challenge coin. Maine contributed a whale bone and a woven bookmark. And Utah contributed tickets to their amusement parks and George Washington’s prayer medal.
“Now that America’s Time Capsule has been sealed, it carries with it a remarkable record of this moment in our nation’s history,” said Chair of America250 Rosie Rios. “This moment is as much about the future as it is the past. When it is opened in 2276, future generations will see the care, pride, and optimism with which Americans marked our 250th anniversary.”
Below is a list of an item contributed from each state and territory of the United States. Most states submitted multiple items, and the full list can be viewed on America250’s official website.
- Alabama: A series of poems written by author and professor James Matthew Wilson titled “America.”
- Alaska: A map of New Archangel, Alaska, when Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867.
- American Samoa: A set of two uncirculated quarters from 2009 and 2020 with images of American Samoa.
- Arizona: A laser nano-etching of the text and signatures of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution on a coin.
- Arkansas: A diamond found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the United States where people can search for diamonds and keep what they find.
- California: A Claude AI prediction of what California will be like in 250 years on archival paper. This will serve as a “tangible representation” of AI in 2026.
- Colorado: A set of postcards selected to represent “what life was like in Colorado in 2026.”
- Connecticut: The Official Proclamation document for the state.
- The District of Columbia: A challenge coin with “Washington, D.C. 250” on one side and a building with flags and the Mayor’s name etched on the other.
- Delaware: A set of 12 notecards with writings and drawings from the state’s citizens to answer what Delaware is to them.
- Florida: The Florida Senate Booklet from 2024 to 2026, which describes the operations of the Senate.
- Georgia: A distinct medallion of The Masters Logo, which has a yellow silhouette of the United States with a red flagstick to mark where Augusta, Georgia is located.
- Guam: A Gualofan ornament pendant, which is a traditional ornament that has become a “modern expression of Chamorro identity.” The pendant represents the full moon.
- Hawaii: A letter from Governor Josh Green.
- Idaho: A star garnet, which is the state’s official gemstone found only in Idaho and one other place in the world. The garnet is meant to highlight the state’s geological heritage.
- llinois: A poem authored by Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte titled “Dear New Blood.”
- Indiana: The Indiana 250 Annual Report, which shares the mission and objectives of the commission working to celebrate July 4th.
- Iowa: Astronaut Peggy Whitson’s International Space Station medallion, which commemorates Whitson’s leadership as the first woman to command the International Space Station.
- Kansas: A document identifying Kansas250 commissioners and news items from the last year.
- Kentucky: A commemorative coin from the Sons of the Revolution, intended to serve as a reminder of how the American Revolution influenced Kentucky.
- Louisiana: A necklace with a Krewe of Bacchus pendant, a collectible from Mardi Gras, and glass beads.
- Maine: A whale bone from the North Atlantic right whale, which is one of the world’s most critically endangered large whale species.
- Maryland: A challenge coin with Governor Wes Moore’s name and a map of the state on it.
- Massachusetts: A set of archival prints, including a print of the Boston Massacre and a letter from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts Council.
- Michigan: The state stone, or the Petoskey stone, which is native to the shores of Lake Michigan and formed nearly 350 million years ago.
- Minnesota: The state’s flag.
- Mississippi: Four brass coins commemorating the U.S.’s largest rocket engine test site and the Birthplace of America’s Music, amongst other notable events.
- Missouri: A letter from Governor Mike Kehoe to Americans 250 years later.
- Montana: A beaded artwork created by a Arikara artist representing the state’s landscapes and heritage.
- Nebraska: An archival photo of the Vice Grip pliers, which symbolize the state’s commerce and history.
- Nevada: A set of gambling chips to reflect the history of casinos across the state, which legalized gambling during the Great Depression.
- New Hampshire: A print of a sticker depicting the center emblem of a flag carried by the Second New Hampshire Regiment of the Continental Army.
- New Jersey: A stainless steel plate with greetings to people in 2276, with “the hope that the values that guide us in 2026 — liberty, opportunity, cooperation, love and respect for one another — continue to shape society.”
- New Mexico: A hand-crafted red chile tile created by Mexican-American artist Jennel Juarez. The tile is one of New Mexico’s longstanding cultural symbols.
- New York: A written reflection from New York State.
- North Carolina: A copper disk engraved with an image of the North Carolina State Capitol Building.
- North Dakota: A commemorative coin representing the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
- The Northern Mariana Islands: A crescent-hewn symbol representing the Chamorro ancestors’ leadership and noble standing.
- Ohio: Fabric from the Wright Brothers’ flight honoring the state’s connection to the birth of aviation.
- Oklahoma: A belt buckle that features images that represent the “grit, determination and spirit” of the state.
- Oregon: A handcrafted pin created by Native American artist Lillian Pitt.
- Pennsylvania: A “Greetings from Harrisburg” letter from Governor Josh Shapiro.
- Puerto Rico: A rosary to represent the importance of faith in the island.
- Rhode Island: A holiday ornament meant to honor the state’s Revolutionary War legacy.
- South Carolina: A coin commemorating the work done by the state’s 250 Commission.
- South Dakota: A poetry book celebrating the state’s rivers, wildlife and homestead culture through a special edition of “This Far Country” authored by Joseph Bottum.
- Tennessee: An original poster designed by one of the state’s artists to highlight Tennessee’s agricultural history and cultural symbols, including its role in the Civil Rights movement and women’s suffrage.
- Texas: The state seal on a chiseled glass paperweight. The seal was designed in 1836 during the Texas Revolution.
- The U.S. Virgin Islands: A letter from Governor Albert Bryan, Jr.
- Utah: A set of 101 paper cards with different people that shaped Utah history.
- Vermont: A Battle of Hubbardton ornament. The battle was the only Revolutionary War battle fought entirely on what is now considered Vermont.
- Virginia: A challenge coin representing the state’s commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial.
- Washington: A letter from Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck to the future.
- West Virginia: A student essay authored by Alyssa Dalton titled “Remembering our Foundation” celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. The essay was solicited from a statewide essay contest to recognize how “the young people… will continue to guide our state.”
- Wisconsin: An Eagle feather and photo of Old Abe, an American bald eagle who served with the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the civil war.
- Wyoming: A letter from Governor Mark Gordon to future Americans.
Many of the capsule’s collections were specifically designed for the commemoration. For example, the Library of Congress contributed a molecular data storage device about 0.2 inches with synthetic DNA encoded with digital copies of the library’s items. It includes Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, a 3D rendering of President Abraham Lincoln’s hand and an 1898 audio recording of the national anthem.
Companies such as Coca Cola and Apple along with museums like the Smithsonian Institute also contributed items.
South Dakota
South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece’s death
Two men, including one whose life sentence was commuted by then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, have been charged in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose body was found in a rural area five days after she went missing in March.
McKenna Wendel was reported missing March 13 and last seen alive in her hometown of Sioux Falls early on March 14. Her body was found outside Brookings, an hour’s drive north of Sioux Falls, on March 19.
Wendel’s uncle, Mark Milk, 51, also of Sioux Falls, now faces five counts related to her death. Milk was almost three decades into a life term on a manslaughter conviction when Noem commuted his sentence in 2023.
Wendel was raised by her grandparents, loved animals and had a “vibrant personality and a zest for life,” according to her obituary. She and her grandparents were Rosebud Sioux Tribe members and attended powwows often.
“She loved the singing and the beautiful sounds of the drums,” her obituary read.
Details about Wendel’s death remained thin as authorities who announced the charges in a Sioux City, Iowa, news conference Thursday kept close what they knew to protect their investigation.
Authorities have said an autopsy was done, but the findings have not been released. The cause and manner of Wendel’s death would not be released yet per Justice Department policy, said Leif Olson, U.S. attorney for northern Iowa.
Milk faces five counts including possession with intent to deliver cocaine that caused Wendel’s death. He is also charged with transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to court documents.
Jon Rogness, 38, of Brookings faces conspiracy and accessory charges in an alleged attempt to cover up the crimes. The counts against the men were the “most serious, readily provable” charges and all originated in Iowa, Olson said.
“This is a horrific case,” FBI special agent Gene Kowel said. “There are no cases that we investigate that are more heart-wrenching and more tragic than the ones that involve children or the death of a child.”
Court records showed no lawyers listed for Milk and Rogness, and no relatives could immediately be located through phone records and social media to speak on their behalf.
In February 2023, Noem commuted Milk’s life sentence for a manslaughter conviction in an October 1993 stabbing death. Milk, then 19, had been involved in several altercations in the city of Winner that ended with the death of Shawn Peneaux, according to records.
Milk was in jail on unrelated allegations of driving under the influence and eluding police when Wendel’s body was found. His name came up in public discussion about the case from the start. But prosecutors, who finished their investigation in late May, did not formally link him to Wendel’s death until filing charges Wednesday.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a late March news conference the decision to commute Milk’s life sentence was strictly Noem’s.
“It is fairly often that you see law enforcement oppose commutations,” Jackley remarked without commenting further on Noem’s decision.
The commutation documents were sealed and even he had not seen them, he noted.
The Associated Press left a message Thursday for Noem on seeking comment through NovaRed Mining, a Canadian firm she recently joined in a “strategic advisory role.”
A Republican, Noem, 54, was South Dakota’s lone congressperson from 2011 to 2019 and governor from 2019 to 2025. She was Homeland Security secretary before being fired in March by President Donald Trump amid criticism of her handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown and disaster response.
Trump praised Noem’s leadership and said he was making her special envoy for “The Shield of the Americas.” The new organization of Western Hemisphere nations is focused on supporting democracy and security in the region.
___
Gruver reported from Fort Collins, Colorado, and Billeaud from Phoenix, Arizona.
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