Former Governor Kristi Noem is fighting back against what she calls “fake news” reports claiming she spent $650,000 on a government credit card. The South Dakota former leader’s legal team has issued cease-and-desist letters threatening legal action against media outlets spreading what they say are false accusations.
At a glance:
- Kristi Noem’s legal team issued a cease-and-desist letter to The Dakota Scout for allegedly false reporting
- The Dakota Scout reported Noem accumulated over $650,000 in credit card charges
- Noem’s team claims she personally spent only $2,056.72, while her office spent $650,000 for official purposes
- The Dakota Scout obtained records through an open records lawsuit and stands by its reporting
- Noem’s legal team threatens defamation action if corrections aren’t made
Credit Card Controversy Erupts
Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is demanding The Dakota Scout newspaper correct what her team calls “false and misleading” reporting about her credit card spending while in office. The dispute centers around allegations that Noem personally racked up $650,000 in expenses on a government credit card, a figure her representatives strongly dispute.
Records provided by Noem’s team show she personally spent just $2,056.72 on her government-issued credit card during her time as Governor. The larger $650,000 figure represents spending by her entire office for legitimate government purposes, not personal expenses as the reporting allegedly implied.
Legal Battle Brewing
An attorney representing Noem sent a formal cease-and-desist letter stating: “On behalf of former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in her personal capacity, I write out of concern that your website continues to publish false and misleading information about my client that you have known to be false since at least July 2024.”
The letter demands immediate correction of all articles suggesting Noem personally spent the larger sum.
The Dakota Scout isn’t backing down, however, with Co-Founders Jonathan Ellis and Joe Sneve responding: “The Dakota Scout has not seen the letter, but it sounds like it was written by somebody lacking understanding of the facts and the First Amendment. We stand by our reporting, and wish Sec. Noem well on her endeavors.”
Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for Noem, was more direct in his assessment of the situation. “This is fake news,” Murtaugh stated regarding the reporting about Noem’s spending.
Media Motivations Questioned
Noem’s team has since suggested The Dakota Scout may be targeting her to raise its own profile by going after a high-profile Republican leader. The outlet obtained credit card records through an open records lawsuit and has published multiple stories about the spending.
One of the journalists involved in the reporting, Austin Goss, reportedly has a controversial history with Noem. Noem’s legal team plans to send similar cease-and-desist letters to other media outlets that have repeated the disputed claims.
The conflict highlights the increasingly contentious relationship between conservative political figures and media outlets. Noem, who has been working as cabinet member in Trump administration, continues to face scrutiny as her national profile rises.
We’ll soon find out the truth…in court, it seems.
