The two jets are being purchased through the Coast Guard, which requested one jet in its budget earlier this year at an estimated cost of $50 million.
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- The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly purchasing two private jets for Secretary Kristi Noem’s travels.
- These jets are being acquired through the Coast Guard to replace older aircraft for safety reasons.
The Department of Homeland Security is purchasing two private jets for the travel of Secretary Kristi Noem, who heads President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts across the country, according to media reports.
The two Gulfstream jets are being purchased through the Coast Guard, which requested funding for one at an estimated cost of $50 million earlier this year.
The New York Times reported that the two planes cost $172 million, and the Washington Post reported $200 million.
These planes will replace older jets. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told The New York Times that the upgrades were necessary for security reasons. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY.
Two House Democrats sent a letter to Noem questioning the jet purchase, saying it suggests the Coast Guard is being “directed to put our own comfort before our needs.”
“We are deeply concerned about your judgment, your leadership priorities, and your responsibility as stewards of taxpayers,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Rep. Lauren Underwood wrote.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
