Skip to main content
1 min read
◆ Mixed look for KennedyImmigrationCongress / Members

John Kennedy: Trump Threw Kristi Noem Under the Bus

Kennedy questioned Noem about the ad campaign and said Trump later told him their recollections differed.

John Kennedy: Trump Threw Kristi Noem Under the Bus
Image · Mediaite

SOURCE CHECK

TAP FOR WHY
Outlet credibilityMediaite65/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 9, 2026
Mediaite
Mar 5, 2026
tl;dr

Sen. John Kennedy said President Donald Trump told him that Trump’s recollection differed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s account of his approval of a $220 million ad campaign. Trump later told Reuters he knew nothing about the campaign.

Community verdict

17 VOTES
How does this story look for
John Kennedy R · LA · SEN
● OPEN

People in this story

SWIPE →
John Kennedy
R · LA · SEN

Senator who questioned Kristi Noem at a hearing and later recounted Donald Trump’s response

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Kristi Noem
Former U.S. Representative (R-SD)

Homeland Security secretary questioned by Kennedy about the ad campaign

Noem's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who called Kennedy after the hearing and disputed Noem’s account

Trump's version of this story ↗
Russell Vought
R · Director of the Office of Management and Budget

Office of Management and Budget director whom Kennedy said he doubted would have approved the spending

Markwayne Mullin
Secretary of Homeland Security

Senator mentioned as a reported possible replacement for Noem

Part of a bigger story

7 OUTLETS
John Kennedy Questions Kristi Noem About DHS Ad Campaign

John Kennedy questioned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about a roughly $220 million DHS advertising campaign. President Donald Trump later removed Noem from the department. Center outlets connect Kennedy’s questioning to Noem’s removal and report competing accounts of Trump’s approval of the campaign. Right-leaning outlets center Kennedy’s account of Trump’s denial and include claims that broader problems at DHS also contributed to Noem’s departure.

Discussion · 0

What's your take?

Loading comments…