Kristi Noem apparently has a knack for decorating homes, and she might as well be an HGTV star. Records obtained by American Oversight revealed that Noem used a considerable chunk of taxpayer money on various decorations and renovations for the governor’s office during her tenure. Approximately $60,000 was apparently spent on items like tables, chairs, lamps, and televisions, with $13,000 spent on rugs alone. A report by the Argus Leader also found that $8,100 was spent on a brand-new sauna because, apparently, you need to bask in a nice bath to be an effective state leader. All these expenses are in addition to the reported $130,000 she spent to build a TV studio within the mansion to facilitate television appearances, complemented by a $75,000 makeup kit, according to Dakota Free Press.
While these expenditures have raised eyebrows, officials from the governor’s office have defended the renovations and upgrades as comparable to those of previous administrations and argued that they were needed. Meanwhile, her spokesperson, Ian Fury, maintained that the swanky studio was essential for enhancing Noem’s communications. “Prior to Governor Noem taking office, there was no way to conduct remote interviews with television stations from Pierre,” he said. “The governor is able to use this studio for interviews with national media, but also with local stations in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.”
