Complaints arose about FEMA's slow disaster aid response, with many blaming Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. A new policy required Noem's personal sign-off on expenses over $100,000, contributing to delays. However, records reveal Naples, Florida, expedited over $11 million in FEMA funds for a damaged pier after a major donor contacted Noem. Frustrated city officials had struggled for months to secure aid before the donor intervened. Following the donor's contact, Naples officials celebrated rapid progress with FEMA. Noem visited Naples on a government plane, toured the pier, and dined with the donor, Sinan Gursoy. This suggests potential political favoritism in disaster relief distribution. Experts express concern about Noem consolidating power over federal relief decisions. A DHS spokesperson defended Noem's actions, citing a visit to Ruidoso, New Mexico, at a Democrat governor's request. The spokesperson stated the Naples visit was to assist pier visitors and did not answer questions about the donor's influence or Noem's relationship with him. Noem has also faced criticism for delays in Texas flood response, though she denies these claims and defends her expense policy. The Naples pier project had been in bureaucratic purgatory for years before the donor's intervention. Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann enlisted Dr. Gursoy, a significant donor to Noem, to help expedite the funding. Gursoy contacted Noem, and within days, FEMA assured Naples of expedited funding, leading to Noem's visit and public statements about improving disaster response.