Kristi Noem's $172M Jet Purchase: Outrage Erupts
Kristi Noem at GITMO, 2025. Photo courtesy of Department of Homeland Security. Public domain.
The Department of Homeland Security's decision to purchase two Gulfstream G700 private jets, valued at approximately $172 million, has ignited a firestorm of criticism amid a government shutdown and tight budget scrutiny. These jets are reportedly intended for use by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other senior officials, but the timing and cost have raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Luxury Jets in a Time of Fiscal Strain
The jets, acquired through the U.S. Coast Guard, are set to replace an aging aircraft currently used by Noem. The Coast Guard's acting commandant, Kevin Lunday, told Congress earlier this year that the existing jet's avionics were "increasingly obsolete" and communications "increasingly unreliable," emphasizing the need for recapitalization to maintain operational readiness, as reported by Forbes.
Despite these safety concerns, the purchase has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and watchdogs. Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Lauren Underwood sent a letter to Noem expressing deep concern that the Coast Guard "has been directed to prioritize your own comfort above the U.S.C.G.'s operational needs, even during a government shutdown," as reported by Forbes. They questioned the judgment and leadership priorities behind spending such a large sum on luxury aircraft at a time when many government functions are stalled.
DHS Pushback and the Safety Argument
The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back against reports that the jets were bought solely for Noem's personal use. DHS officials wrote on X that the planes are for the "brave men and women of the @USCG" and senior leaders across the department, framing the purchase as a matter of "safety and mission readiness," as reported by Newsweek.
A senior adviser to the Coast Guard explained that senior military officials and Cabinet members require "secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility," especially to respond to national emergencies at any time, as reported by Newsweek. DHS criticized media reports as "lies" and argued that without such aircraft, leadership would be "incapable of responding to national emergencies while in the air."
The Cost and Contract Details
According to Gulfstream's website, the jets are two Gulfstream G700s, known for having the "most spacious cabin in the industry," as reported by Forbes. The contract for these long-range jets is valued at more than $172 million.
Earlier budget requests from the Coast Guard had reportedly estimated the cost of replacing the older jet at around $50 million, but the final contract price for two jets far exceeds that figure. It remains unclear how the funding was allocated or why two jets were purchased instead of one.
Noem's Spending History Adds Fuel to the Fire
Kristi Noem's spending habits have been under scrutiny for years, dating back to her tenure as governor of South Dakota. In 2021, reports revealed she spent more than $68,000 of taxpayer money on luxury upgrades to the governor's mansion, including $4,000 Indian rugs and an $8,174 sauna installation, as reported by Dakota Free Press.
Her travel expenses as governor also raised eyebrows, with taxpayers footing the bill for trips to Palm Beach, Paris, Canada, and Houston, totaling around $150,000. Critics have pointed to these expenditures as examples of questionable stewardship of public funds.
Personal Approval Over Spending
Adding another layer to the controversy, Noem implemented a rule within DHS requiring her personal approval for any expense over $100,000. According to Forbes, this protocol has reportedly caused a backlog of spending requests, raising questions about the efficiency and priorities of the department's financial management.
What's Next?
The New York Times has stood by its reporting, citing public documents and testimony from Coast Guard officials. DHS remains firm that the jets are essential for safety and mission readiness, while critics continue to demand transparency and accountability regarding the funding and necessity of the purchase.
As the government shutdown continues to impact daily operations, the controversy over these jets is unlikely to fade quickly. The debate over balancing security needs with fiscal responsibility will remain a key issue for DHS leadership and lawmakers alike.
Expect increased scrutiny on how taxpayer dollars are spent at the highest levels of government, especially when luxury and necessity collide in such a high-profile way.
References: DHS Responds to Report Private Jets Bought for Noem: Officials' Use | Reports say DOH getting 2 jets for Secretary Kristi Noem's use | Trump Administration Buys 2 New Private Jets for Kristi Noem To Use: What To Know | Fiscal Conservative Noem Buys $4,000 Rugs, Sauna for Gov's Mansion
