Kristi Noem Secretly Took a Cut of Political Donations

Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, secretly accepted $80,000 from a nonprofit that promotes her political career, tax records show. The nonprofit, American Resolve Policy Fund, routed the funds to a personal company of Noem's, Ashwood Strategies, which was established in Delaware. The payment was a significant boost to her government salary, but Noem failed to disclose the income to the public. Experts describe the arrangement as highly unusual and potentially a violation of federal ethics requirements. The nonprofit is a "dark money" group, meaning it doesn't disclose its donors, and it paid Noem for fundraising services. Noem's lawyer claims she fully complied with the law and disclosed all her income, but experts disagree. The nonprofit spent most of its funds on administrative expenses and travel, with little evidence of actual work. Noem's personal company received the $80,000 payment, which is unusual for a politician to keep money from political donors. The arrangement may have also violated South Dakota law, which requires top officials to devote their full time to their official roles.