DHS Faces Backlash Over Purchase of Private Jets for Kristi Noem and Top Officials: Report

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard are facing criticism after confirming the purchase of two Gulfstream G700 jets for official use by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other senior officials at an estimated cost of $200 million.

The acquisition includes expenses for training, specialized paint, and cabin modifications, far exceeding the $50 million initially requested by the Coast Guard earlier this year for a single aircraft, according to the Washington Post.

The Coast Guard confirmed in a statement that it executed a "planned and critical recapitalization" of its long-range command and control aircraft. The service said the new planes are required for official travel by the secretary and deputy secretary of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard commandant, vice commandant, and regional commanders.

Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday defended the purchase as essential to modernizing aging aircraft that were up to 20 years old and "experiencing several unplanned maintenance issues."

"The timing of this investment underscores the Coast Guard's vital need to modernize its command and control capabilities to meet today's rapidly evolving operational demands," Lunday said. He added that reliable long-range mobility was critical for national security and coordination with other agencies.

The Coast Guard said the decision aligns with federal guidelines requiring agency heads to have secure communication capabilities and rapid access to Washington in emergencies. Senior adviser Sean Plankey dismissed criticism of the purchase, calling it "a matter of safety and mission readiness," and accused lawmakers and the media of "playing politics with the funding of the Coast Guard."

Congressional Democrats, however, questioned both the timing and necessity of the acquisition, noting it occurred during a government shutdown while many DHS employees were working without pay. In a letter to Noem, Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) wrote:

"the procurement of new luxury jets for your use suggests that the USCG has been directed to prioritize your own comfort above the USCG's operational needs, even during a government shutdown. We are deeply concerned about your judgment, leadership priorities, and responsibility as a steward of taxpayer dollars"

Other lawmakers, including Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), denounced the move as "wholly inappropriate" and "blatantly immoral," citing it as an example of misplaced priorities during the shutdown. Larsen urged Noem to "cool your jets and fly commercial."