Governor's Office says emergency funds have been used to fund past border deployments

Noem facing criticism as lawmakers question appropriateness of sending South Dakota soldiers to border

Gov. Kristi Noem is pushing back against criticism that she’s inappropriately using state resources to send National Guard troops to the southern border.

The second-term Republican governor’s announcement this week that 50 soldiers in the South Dakota Army National Guard this summer will be joining troops from 12 other states to “help Texas respond to the crisis” on the U.S.-Mexico border brought a chorus of accusations that state resources are being used to further Noem’s national appeal ahead of the 2024 presidential election. And legislators are questioning whether the use of South Dakota Emergency and Disaster Funds for activities in Texas is appropriate.

But Ian Fury, Noem’s spokesman, said Friday in a statement provided to The Dakota Scout that past Guard deployments to the border have also been paid with the same funds.

NEWS: Noem sending more troops to US-Mexico border