Political Earthquake: Kristi Noem Accused of Exploiting FEMA Disaster Funds to Benefit Donors, Fueling Outrage Over Trump Administration’s Shocking Misuse of Emergency Relief as a System of Bribes, Retribution, and Corrupt Favors That Betrayed the Public
Political Favoritism and FEMA: How a Donor’s Call Fast-Tracked Aid to a Florida Enclave
For months, frustration has simmered across regions battered by floods and hurricanes. Local officials in central Texas and North Carolina have accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of moving at a glacial pace, leaving communities desperate for help. The finger-pointing has landed squarely on Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, whose agency oversees FEMA.
“I can’t get phone calls back,” fumed North Carolina Senator Ted Budd, describing his futile attempts to reach Noem’s office. “I can’t get them to initiate the money. It’s just a quagmire.” The bottleneck, it turns out, is partly due to a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy requiring Noem’s personal sign-off on any FEMA expense over $100,000—a rule that has ground relief efforts to a halt.
But while most communities languished in bureaucratic limbo, one wealthy Florida city found a shortcut: Naples, a Gulf Coast enclave famous for its multimillion-dollar homes, secured a rapid $11 million in federal funds to rebuild its historic pier—thanks to a call from one of Noem’s political donors.
A Donor’s Influence
City officials in Naples had spent months pleading for disaster aid to repair their iconic pier, devastated by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Their efforts went nowhere—until Sinan Gursoy, a local cardiologist and major Noem campaign contributor, intervened. Within two weeks, FEMA was suddenly moving “at warp speed,” as one city official put it. “Per leadership instruction, pushing project immediately,” a FEMA representative wrote.
Noem herself flew to Naples on a government plane, toured the pier, and capped off her visit with dinner at the upscale Bleu Provence restaurant alongside Gursoy. She stayed for the weekend at a luxury resort, according to public records and interviews with Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann.
Red Tape for Most, Fast Track for a Few
Noem’s actions in Naples raise troubling questions about political favoritism in the federal disaster relief process. Experts warn that her policy of personally approving all six-figure FEMA expenses consolidates power in the hands of one official, making relief dollars vulnerable to influence and discretion.
“Politics has always played a role in disaster aid—swing states tend to get more help,” said Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness. “But I’ve never heard of anything this egregious—a donor calls up and gets immediate action, while others wait in line for help that may never come.”
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin denied political motivations, pointing out that Noem also visited Ruidoso, New Mexico, at the request of a Democratic governor after deadly floods. “Your criticism of the Secretary’s visit to the Pier is bizarre,” McLaughlin said, “as she works to fix an issue affecting more than one million annual visitors.” She declined to answer questions about the donor’s role or Noem’s relationship with him.
A Pattern of Political Connections
Noem’s expense policy has drawn intense scrutiny. During the deadly Texas floods this summer, critical search-and-rescue teams were delayed for days, reportedly because Noem hadn’t signed off on them. “Pretty much everything Helene-related is over $100,000. So they’re stacking up on her desk waiting for her signature,” said Senator Budd.
Noem insists her policy saves billions in taxpayer dollars: “Every day I get up and I think, the American people are paying for this, should they?” she said recently. “I’m going to make sure the money goes where it’s supposed to.”
Naples, once a sleepy fishing town, now boasts some of the priciest real estate in America and is a frequent stop for Republican fundraisers. Noem has visited at least ten times as South Dakota governor, and her top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, owns a home near the pier. Lewandowski, rumored to be romantically linked to Noem (both deny it), claims he wasn’t involved in the pier decision.
Desperation and a Google Search
For seven months, the pier project was mired in red tape. Emails reveal that federal layoffs under Trump had slowed the process further. “Sometimes means starting over with new reviewers,” a city official complained.
By summer, Naples officials were desperate. Mayor Heitmann even tried recruiting Senator Rick Scott to pressure FEMA. When told Noem’s personal approval was required, Heitmann, feeling increasingly helpless, googled: “Who is the head of Homeland security?” and set her sights on Noem.
Heitmann realized her best chance was Gursoy, a doctor with no federal experience but a $25,000 donation to Noem’s campaign—making him one of her top donors. Gursoy had previously introduced Heitmann to Noem at a local political event.
“Hello, it’s Teresa,” the mayor texted Gursoy. “I really need your help. FEMA is holding us up. Kristi Noem could put some fire under the FEMA employees slacking.” Gursoy replied, “Okay. I will get on it.”
Within days, Gursoy reported back: “Kristi was off for a few days… I just txted her now.” The next day, he told Heitmann to expect a call from Noem’s “FEMA fixer.” By August 27, FEMA was expediting the funding. “Secretary Noem took immediate action when I reached out to ask for help,” Heitmann posted on Facebook.
A Weekend in Naples
Two days later, Noem arrived in Naples. Her schedule included a walk-through of the pier, a nail salon appointment, and dinner at Bleu Provence with Gursoy. She spent the weekend at the four-star Naples Bay Resort & Marina. Before leaving, Noem posted on Instagram, touting her efforts to cut through “years of red tape and failed disaster responses.” “Under @POTUS Trump, this incompetency ends,” she wrote.
DHS did not respond to questions about who paid for Noem’s weekend in Naples.
Conclusion
The Naples saga spotlights the risks of concentrating power over federal disaster aid in the hands of a single official—and the way political connections can turn red tape into a red carpet. While devastated communities elsewhere wait for help, a well-placed donor’s text can make all the difference.