Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's allies are mounting a fierce defense after President Trump announced her departure, accusing the White House of spreading misinformation about a $220 million ad campaign. According to sources cited by The Daily Caller, Noem's team claims the White House was fully aware of the controversial advertising contract that featured Noem prominently on horseback at Mount Rushmore.

Noem's supporters dispute Trump's assertion that he knew nothing about the campaign, stating that senior White House officials were involved in approving the funds. They argue that Noem's relationship with the administration deteriorated after federal agents killed two Americans in Minneapolis, with Noem feeling she was being scapegoated. The timing of these events coincides with mounting scrutiny over the ad campaign's costs and Noem's leadership.

The controversy has escalated into a public blame game, with Noem's allies suggesting the administration is attempting to shift responsibility for her ouster onto her. Fox News has reported that Noem's removal stems from multiple leadership failures, including the ad campaign, the Minneapolis incident, and allegations of an affair with Corey Lewandowski. The dispute highlights growing tensions between Noem and the Trump White House as her departure approaches.