A wealthy GOP donor is stepping in to help with the crisis at the southern border. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) announced Tuesday she will be sending her state’s National Guard troops to assist at the southern border; the deployment will be paid for by the donor.
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Noem’s actions are in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott asking for states to send National Guard troops in order to help contain the crisis at the border. “The Biden administration’s immigration policies are failing Texans, causing a humanitarian crisis in many Texas communities along the border,” said Abbott.
Noem announced she will be sending 50 of her state’s National Guard troops to assist. Noem’s office said the deployment is expected to be between 30-60 days and will be paid for by a private donation. The donor is Tennessee billionaire and high-dollar Republican donor Willis Johnson.
Noem spokesperson Ian Fury told Axios the donation is coming from a foundation run by Johnson, who is the founder of automotive salvage and auction company Copart. Fury did not give details on the amount of the donation which he said, “was made directly to the state of South Dakota.”
“Governor Noem welcomes any such donations to help alleviate the cost to South Dakota taxpayers,” said Fury. According to Axios, the foundation had net assets of nearly $29 million at the end of 2018, which is the most recent filing of tax records publicly available.
Johnson has bankrolled a number of political campaigns, including former President Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign. Born in Oklahoma, Johnson is estimated to be worth $2.2 billion according to Forbes.
