Ex-GOP aide buries former DHS press flack after she threatens defamation suit

After the right-wing Daily Wire published a bombshell report revealing extensive self-dealing and suspicious conflicts at the Department of Homeland Security under now-ousted Secretary Kristi Noem, former GOP aide Kurt Bardella singled out another person implicated in the report: Tricia McLaughlin, who previously handled public relations for the agency, as well as her husband, Ben Yoho.

"Tricia & Ben would be better served using their legal resources to prepare for the avalanche of investigations coming their way than having their lawyers send people like me cease & desist/defamation threats," wrote Bardella on X.

McLaughlin shortly hit back, saying, "Give me a call if you are confused by the facts. That way we can avoid you getting a defamation letter in the future."

Bardella was ready.

"Thank you for the invitation to get the 'facts' directly from you. As such, here are some questions," he wrote.

"1.) What was your role in interviewing (virtually on Zoom, I've been told) and/or selecting any contractors used for the $220 million ad campaign? Who assigned you that role? 2.) How many interviews (virtual or in person) were you a part of? How many contractors were 'considered'?" wrote Bardella. "3.) How did Safe America, an entity that did not exist less than two weeks before it was selected, even enter consideration for a gov't contract? 4.) When The Strategy Group subcontracted on the filming of the ad w/Sec. Noem, they would have had to work directly w/ DHS and DHS Comms to coordinate the logistics, scheduling & participation of the shoot. Were you a part of that? If not, who at DHS was?"

He didn't stop there. "5.) How much of this $220 million taxpayer-financed campaign was spent on actual advertising (ad buys), and how much was pocketed by contractors, subcontractors, etc. for 'overhead' and 'compensation.' 6.) What interactions, if any, did your husband, Ben Yoho, have with any DHS staff/appointees? Specifically, did he have any communication with Corey Lewandowski? 7.) How did the Strategy Group become a subcontractor to this newly formed entity, Safe America? 8.) Does anybody with a financial interest in The Strategy Group also have any financial interest in Safe America Media or vice versa? 9.) Who at Safe America Media hired The Strategy Group as a subcontractor?"

Bardella continued even further. "10.) Did anyone at DHS suggest to Safe America Media that they should hire The Strategy Group as a subcontractor? 11.) Were any payments made from The Strategy Group to any entities, nonprofits, charities, etc. that have financial ties to Corey Lewandowski? 12.) Are you aware of any type of payments being made from DHS political appointees to Mr. Lewandowski or entities/non-profits that he has a financial interest in? 13.) Have you ever heard Mr. Lewandowski boast about his ability to get a pardon from the President? 14.) Have any payments been transmitted from Safe America to any other entities, non-profits, charities, etc., in which you or your husband have a financial interest?"

Finally, Bardella concluded with one remaining question: "5.) Are you willing to voluntarily testify & cooperate with Democrats in Congress who are investigating this?"