Featured Work, Press Releases
Watchdog: Kristi Noem Brings Even More Conflicts of Interest for Incoming Trump Administration

WASHINGTON, DC — A new analysis from government watchdog Accountable.US found Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD)’s family investments pose a potential conflict of interest if confirmed as President-elect Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At issue are tens of thousands of dollars in investment in Granite Falls Energy—a “fuel-grade ethanol, distillers’ grains, and crude corn oil” company that exports ethanol and other products on the international market—that could benefit from Noem’s control of DHS. These investments appeared again in Noem’s ethics disclosure form made public this week.
Specifically, Granite Falls Energy LLC is invested in a controversial multi-billion dollar carbon dioxide pipeline likely to be overseen by DHS’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and could qualify for federal carbon sequestration payments. And the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees exports, controls border crossings that affect the biofuels industry, and administers potential new tariffs on ethanol. If confirmed, Noem could be in the position to reduce inspections on export shipments and block new tariffs.
Noem’s investments add to a rapidly growing list of conflicts of interest for the incoming Trump administration that set the stage for special treatment for corporate interests at the expense of everyday Americans.
“Kristi Noem brings even more conflicts of interest and potential for corruption to the incoming Trump administration. Noem made no apologies when she was accused of abusing South Dakota taxpayer resources for her personal benefit, so it’d surprise no one if she used her newfound federal powers to grease the wheels for her family’s biofuel interests,” said Accountable.US Executive Director Tony Carrk.
SEE ALSO: Accountable.US Fact Sheet on Noem’s Nomination
###