Kristi Noem’s DHS underlings are falling apart over one commissioner’s lofty office renovation dreams, which don’t seem as popular as her recent $172 million splurge on luxury jets.
The controversial ask comes courtesy of Customs and Border Protection commissioner Rodney Scott, who began putting together a $2.1 million project request in September to fine-tune his working environment.
A memo—which was approved by DHS acting CFO Holly Mehringer in November—earmarked a total $137,000 for sprucing up Scott’s personal office, including $33,000 for “window treatments, millwork, and equipment” as “the space finishes are damaged, peeling, and antiquated,” according to Politico.
Unfortunately, not all of Scott’s colleagues share his passion for interior design.
“Don’t waste our time with silly things like this when we have other priorities we want to focus on. The last thing that should be on his mind is making your office fancier,” one DHS officer told the outlet.
Another complained: “We were like, what? This seems totally insane.”
The $2,064,765 total also includes a $299,850 furniture budget and $86,733 for furniture “services,” with a large portion committed to improving IT and fixing what seems to be a significant mold problem.
In December, Noem decided to halt the $137,000 focused on Scott’s office, considering upgrades to the commissioner’s spaces as recently as 2024—but was happy to approve a $1.9 million chunk of the plan.
“Secretary Noem personally reviews and approves any contract above $100,000 to ensure every penny is spent to advance DHS’s mission of protecting the American people and safeguarding our nation,” a DHS spokesperson stated to Politico.
“Through this thorough review and prudent financial stewardship, she has saved the American people over $13 billion in less than a year.”
Noem doesn’t always compose herself as a super-saver. Late last year, documents obtained by the New York Times revealed a $172 million DHS contract with Gulfstream to buy two “used” G700 jets, which boast “the most spacious cabin in the industry.”
The ICE frontwoman has also taken advantage of free accommodation in a fancy D.C. military home at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, which is usually reserved for the Coast Guard Commandant.
While Noem has gained plenty of perks from the job, her decision to personally approve any spending requests of over $100,000 from other staffers is not going down too well in the department.
While one person told NOTUS that it was “basically impossible” to get Noem on the phone to discuss DHS plans, a senior GOP aide complained of the slow-moving nature of the department: “You would think a former member of Congress would have more f—ing respect for the institution she used to serve in… She’s causing a lot of problems.”
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