The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accelerated the approval of over $11 million in disaster aid for a historic pier in Naples, Florida, following intervention from a political donor of Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This action comes amidst widespread complaints regarding delays in disaster assistance for communities impacted by natural disasters across the United States.
For months, officials in areas affected by severe flooding and hurricanes, particularly in central Texas and North Carolina, expressed frustration over the sluggish response from FEMA. Ted Budd, a Republican senator from North Carolina, highlighted the issue, stating, “I can’t get phone calls back… It’s just a quagmire.” The delays were partially attributed to a new policy requiring Noem’s personal approval on expenses exceeding $100,000, which has led to significant backlogs.
Documents obtained by ProPublica reveal that after a local official reached out to Sinan Gursoy, a major donor to Noem, significant progress was made in securing federal funds. The pier, a vital tourist attraction damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022, had been stalled in the application process for months. Just two weeks after Gursoy’s involvement, officials in Naples reported a “warp speed” response from FEMA, with a representative indicating that the project was being prioritized.
Noem personally visited Naples to assess the pier and reportedly dined with Gursoy at a local restaurant, further raising concerns about political favoritism within FEMA. Critics argue that this situation illustrates the potential misuse of power by Noem, who has consolidated control over disaster relief funding within her agency. Experts have noted that while politics has historically influenced federal disaster assistance, the extent of this scenario is unprecedented.
Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, defended Noem’s actions, emphasizing her commitment to aiding recovery efforts in various states, including a visit to Ruidoso, New Mexico, where flooding had recently occurred. McLaughlin did not address questions about Gursoy’s role in expediting the funding or his relationship with Noem.
Criticism of Noem’s management style has mounted as reports surfaced about delays during the Texas flood response earlier this year, which resulted in the loss of over 100 lives. Budd commented that numerous requests awaiting Noem’s signature were causing significant delays in disaster response.
Naples, once a modest fishing village, has transformed into a haven for affluent residents, including CEOs and billionaires. The city has become a crucial fundraising stop for Republican politicians, with Noem frequently holding events there. State records indicate that she has visited Naples at least ten times during her tenure as governor of South Dakota.
The connection between Noem and Gursoy is noteworthy. He has donated at least $25,000 to her gubernatorial campaign, placing him among her top supporters. Gursoy’s influence became apparent when Naples officials, frustrated with bureaucratic hurdles, sought his assistance to engage Noem directly.
As the mayor of Naples, Teresa Heitmann found herself overwhelmed by the complexities of securing federal aid. After months of unsuccessful attempts, she decided to reach out to Gursoy for help. “I really need your help,” she texted him, highlighting the stagnation caused by FEMA’s slow response.
Following Gursoy’s intervention, communication with Noem’s office improved significantly. Within weeks, FEMA indicated its intent to expedite funding for the pier project. Noem’s visit to Naples coincided with this newfound momentum, and she celebrated the progress on social media, asserting that “Americans deserve better than years of red tape and failed disaster responses.”
The implications of this case extend beyond Naples, raising important questions about the fairness and transparency of disaster relief processes. As Noem continues to navigate her role, the situation serves as a critical reminder of the intersection between politics and disaster management in the United States.
