For months, communities across the nation devastated by natural disasters have voiced frustrations about the sluggish response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Senators and local officials from areas struck by hurricanes and floods have pointed fingers at Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security who oversees the agency, citing significant delays in aid distribution.
“I can’t get phone calls back,” lamented Ted Budd, a Republican senator from North Carolina, as he described his attempts to engage with Noem’s office regarding necessary funding. “I can’t get them to initiate the money. It’s just a quagmire.” These delays were exacerbated by a new policy from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that requires Noem’s personal approval for expenditures exceeding $100,000, as reported by several outlets.
In a striking turn of events, records obtained reveal that one locality found a way to accelerate FEMA assistance: by enlisting the help of one of Noem’s political donors. Documents indicate that Noem expedited over $11 million in federal funds to reconstruct a historic pier in Naples, Florida, after being contacted by a prominent supporter in August. This pier, a popular attraction in the affluent Gulf Coast city, suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022.
City officials, who had previously struggled to secure disaster relief for months, saw a dramatic shift in momentum just two weeks after the donor intervened. “We are now at warp speed with FEMA,” one official exclaimed in an email, while a FEMA representative noted, “Per leadership instruction, pushing project immediately.”
In addition to fast-tracking the funding, Noem personally visited Naples, traveling on a government plane to inspect the pier. She extended her stay for the weekend, dining with the donor, local cardiologist Sinan Gursoy, at the upscale restaurant Bleu Provence, as confirmed by communications obtained through public records requests.
Noem’s actions raise serious ethical questions about potential political favoritism within an agency designed to provide critical assistance to communities in need. Experts express alarm over the implications of her consolidating power to personally authorize six-figure expenses, effectively determining who receives federal relief. Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, noted that while political influences have historically impacted disaster relief, the degree of favoritism displayed in this instance is unprecedented. “I’ve not heard of anything this egregious,” he stated, “a donor calling up and saying I need help and getting it, while others may be getting denied assistance or otherwise waiting in line.”
In response to inquiries about these events, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin asserted that politics played no role in the aid expedited to Naples. She highlighted Noem’s visit to Ruidoso, New Mexico, where flooding resulted in three fatalities, stating that the secretary has been instrumental in advancing recovery efforts there. McLaughlin characterized criticisms of Noem’s visit as “bizarre” and emphasized the importance of the pier to the local economy, which relies on tourism.
However, McLaughlin did not address questions about the donor’s influence or the nature of Noem’s relationship with Gursoy. When reached for comment, Gursoy abruptly dismissed inquiries, stating, “get lost” before hanging up.
Critics have consistently pointed to Noem’s policies as creating bottlenecks at FEMA. Following catastrophic flooding in Texas this summer that claimed over 100 lives, it was reported that critical search-and-rescue teams were delayed due to pending approvals from Noem’s office. Senator Budd noted that numerous requests for assistance were piling up on her desk, awaiting her signature.
Despite these concerns, Noem has maintained that her oversight has not impeded disaster responses and has instead emphasized that her policies have yielded significant financial savings. “Every day I get up and I think, the American people are paying for this, should they?” she remarked in a recent interview, defending her approach to fiscal responsibility.
Once a quiet fishing village, Naples has transformed into a playground for the wealthy, with properties selling for record sums, including a recent listing for $295 million, making it the most expensive home in the country. The city has also become a key fundraising stop for Republican politicians, with Noem frequently holding events there. Public records indicate she has visited Naples at least ten times during her tenure as South Dakota governor.
Additionally, Noem’s top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, is reported to own a property in Naples, close to the pier. While Lewandowski, who serves without pay at DHS, claims to have had no involvement in the pier decision and was not present during Noem’s visit, the proximity of his residence raises further questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Prior to the involvement of Gursoy, the pier reconstruction had languished in bureaucratic limbo for months. City officials had been grappling with regulatory hurdles and delays attributed to staff reductions within federal agencies following the Trump administration’s policies. By June, Naples officials were so desperate for assistance that they sought help from Florida Senator Rick Scott, only to be informed that Noem’s personal sign-off was required before any funding could be allocated.
Feeling increasingly powerless, Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann decided to approach Noem directly. Her first step was to reach out to Gursoy, who had previously made significant contributions to Noem’s campaign. Gursoy, despite lacking experience in federal matters, was viewed as a potential conduit due to his political ties.
Heitmann texted Gursoy, outlining the bureaucratic obstacles they were facing and appealing for his help to motivate Noem. Gursoy responded affirmatively, assuring her that he would take action. Within a week, he reported back to the mayor that he had contacted Noem, and soon thereafter, the momentum shifted dramatically.
By late August, Naples officials noted a “flurry of activity” from FEMA, culminating in the expedited approval of funding for the pier project. The mayor publicly acknowledged Noem’s responsiveness, expressing gratitude for the swift actions taken on their behalf.
Two days later, Noem arrived in Naples for her scheduled visit, which included a walkthrough of the pier and a series of personal engagements. Her trip concluded with a stay at the luxurious Naples Bay Resort & Marina, raising questions about the potential overlap of official duties and personal interests.
As she departed, Noem took to social media to declare her commitment to overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, stating, “Americans deserve better than years of red tape and failed disaster responses.” Yet, the shadow of political influence looms large over this case, as communities still await the aid they desperately need while others appear to receive preferential treatment based on their political connections.
