Noem team demands end to ‘fake news’ reports she spent $650k as governor on credit card — it was $2k

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s legal team has taken action against a South Dakota media outlet, The Dakota Scout, for what they claim is false and misleading reporting regarding credit card expenses during her time as governor. The cease-and-desist letter demands that the outlet correct and cease spreading inaccurate information that Noem allegedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a government-issued credit card.

According to receipts reviewed by Fox News Digital and outlined in the cease-and-desist letter, Noem used her government credit card around 30 times during her tenure as governor, totaling $2,056.72. However, the reports from The Dakota Scout claim that she spent over $650,000 in credit card transactions, sparking controversy and leading to further scrutiny from other news outlets.

Noem’s spokesperson, Tim Murtaugh, labeled the reports as “fake news” and criticized The Dakota Scout for continuing to spread misinformation even after being presented with evidence to the contrary. He suggested that the outlet was targeting Noem due to her high-profile status as both a former governor and the current Secretary of Homeland Security.

The Dakota Scout, a local media outlet based in Sioux Falls, has extensively covered Noem’s credit card expenditures, leading to headlines such as “Noem’s state credit card spending kept secret” and “Gov. Kristi Noem credit card secrecy prompts lawsuit.” The outlet obtained credit card expenditure details after filing an open records lawsuit against the state auditor in September 2025.

In response to the cease-and-desist letter, The Dakota Scout has been urged to correct previous headlines and graphics or face the possibility of a lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The letter emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting and transparency in government, stating that false and misleading information constitutes defamation.

It is noted that the total credit card expenses for the governor’s office included payments for Noem’s security detail, which is necessary due to her high-profile status and the security threats she faces. Retired New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik defended the expenditures, stating that the level of security needed for a public official like Noem is determined by security experts and is essential for her safety.

Overall, the dispute between Noem’s legal team and The Dakota Scout highlights the importance of responsible journalism and accurate reporting, particularly when it comes to public figures and government officials. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the outlet will respond to the cease-and-desist letter and whether further legal action will be taken.