South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s legal team has issued a cease-and-desist letter to The Dakota Scout, demanding they correct what they call “fake news” about her state credit card spending. The Dakota Scout stands by its reporting and has not issued corrections, setting the stage for potential legal action. What evidence does Noem’s team have to refute The Dakota Scout’s reporting?
Noem’s Team Fights Back Against Credit Card Allegations
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s legal representatives have launched a counteroffensive against The Dakota Scout over what they describe as defamatory reporting about her government credit card usage. The media outlet claimed that Noem racked up over $650,000 in credit card charges during her gubernatorial tenure, but her legal team contends this figure is grossly misleading.
According to documentation provided by Noem’s attorneys, the governor personally spent only $2,056.72 on her government-issued credit card. The larger sum of $650,000 represents the total expenditures of her entire office for legitimate state business, not personal expenses as allegedly implied by The Dakota Scout’s reporting.
Taxpayer-backed credit card use rose with Kristi Noem’s national profile
Travel, lodging for former South Dakota governor’s security detail largest portion of $750,000 paid on two state charge accounts
Story: https://t.co/aVvTP11PPG pic.twitter.com/lp3KgWFurn
— The Dakota Scout (@TheDakotaScout) March 7, 2025
Media Outlet Stands Firm on Reporting
The Dakota Scout has shown no signs of backing down, maintaining that their coverage is accurate and protected by the First Amendment. The publication obtained the credit card records through an open records lawsuit, suggesting their reporting is based on official documentation rather than speculation.
Co-founders Jonathan Ellis and Joe Sneve responded to the cease-and-desist letter by stating, “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.”
I’m honored to serve our great country as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security and represent my home state of South Dakota, where Mount Rushmore is proudly showcased here at @DHSgov HQ. pic.twitter.com/tC2An24GQb
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 21, 2025
Legal Battle Brewing Over Financial Reporting
Noem’s spokesperson, Tim Murtaugh, has dismissed The Dakota Scout’s reporting as “fake news” and suggested the outlet is targeting Noem to raise its profile. The governor’s legal team has indicated they plan to send similar cease-and-desist letters to other media outlets that have repeated the claims.
Adding complexity to the situation is the involvement of journalist Austin Goss, who has a reportedly contentious history with Noem and co-authored some of The Dakota Scout’s coverage on this issue. If The Dakota Scout refuses to issue corrections, Noem’s team has threatened to pursue legal action for what they characterize as knowingly false and defamatory reporting.
Sources:
- Noem team demands end to ‘fake news’ reports she spent $650k as governor on credit card — it was $2k