Kristi Noem defends $170 million Gulfstream jet purchase to DHS leaders

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended a contract to spend more than $170 million on new aircraft for the U.S. Coast Guard, including one that will be used for the secretary’s travel.

The Department of Homeland Security has faced criticism from Democrats in Congress for landing a contract to build the planes amid the government shutdown.

Noem brushed that aside on Monday, noting that the funding had already been allocated.

“These aircraft are Coast Guard aircraft to replace 25-year-old aircraft that are essential to the Coast Guard’s mission,” she said during a news conference. “Congress appropriated dollars and paid for them in the ‘big, beautiful bill,’ and we are grateful to be able to move forward.”

Funding for the planes came from a last-minute provision included in congressional appropriations in May, drawing scrutiny from Democrats given that Noem already had a plane — one that both Noem and the Coast Guard said was part of an aging fleet.

House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) on Sunday requested additional information about the purchase.

“We have learned that in the midst of the government shutdown, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) entered into a sole-source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to purchase two new G700 luxury jets to support travel for you and the Deputy Secretary, at a cost to taxpayers of $200 million,” DeLauro and Underwood wrote in a letter.

“You appear to routinely prioritize yourself and those closest to you over the needs of the U.S. Coast Guard service members who protect this nation.”

The letter appears to refer to Noem staying in Coast Guard housing after receiving death threats, with the secretary remaining in housing traditionally reserved for a Coast Guard commander.

The aircraft order significantly exceeded the initial order placed by the Department of Homeland Security, which requested $50 million for a new aircraft.

Democrats also criticized Noem for moving forward with the order amid the shutdown.

“The more than $170 million Noem is using to buy planes for her luxury travel will help fund many of the paychecks for the TSA and air traffic controllers,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote on X.

“It must pay essential workers and stop putting itself before dedicated public servants.”