Emily Jashinsky

According to Wall Street Journal reporter Alex Ward, at least three congressional Republicans, including the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, strongly hinting that a ground operation could potentially be underway soon.

This coming amid reports that the military is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 paratroopers to the region.

Tomorrow marks the start of week five of Operation Epic Fury.

Coming up, former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her former aide reportedly under investigation over billions paid out in no-bid contracts.

And two state legislature wins for Democrats in deep red Florida, including a flip in President Trump's home district.

Could spell trouble for Republicans this November.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem now reportedly under investigation by her own department's watchdog, along with her alleged lover and colleague Corey Lewandowski, over the awarding of billions in government contracts.

Noem formally exiting the department earlier this week, her ouster following a string of controversies, including that $220 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign prominently featuring herself.

I'm Kristi Noem.

You cross the border illegally, we'll find you.

That ad blitz drawing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill, with even Republican Senator John Kennedy pressing Noem about it during a recent hearing.

Mm-hmm.

Yes.

Now, the contracting process behind that spending reportedly facing deeper scrutiny.

According to the Daily Mail, senior DHS officials say the department's inspector general has opened an investigation into how major contracts were approved, including no-bid deals worth billions.

Investigators reportedly ordering dozens of current and former officials, including members of Noam's inner circle, to preserve communications like emails, texts, and phone records.

The probe extending beyond the ad campaign, focusing on a broader pattern of contract approvals tied directly to Noam's office.

During her tenure, Noam implementing a policy requiring personal approval for expenses totaling more than $100,000.

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General has not accused anyone of a crime, and the investigation remains ongoing.

But according to the Daily Mail, some contractors told White House officials that Lewandowski allegedly sought financial incentives tied to contract access, referred to as the Lewandowski tax.