Federal Government Will Spend Nearly $200 Million on ‘Spacious’ Private Jets for Kristi Noem and Other Officials: Reports

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come under fire following reports that it plans to buy two Gulfstream G700 private jets for $172 million, according to The New York Times.

The aircraft are reportedly intended for use by department secretary Kristi Noem, top DHS leaders, and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officials. The purchase follows a May budget request from the Coast Guard seeking $50 million to replace Noem’s aging jet with a new long-range Gulfstream V. Since then, the department has finalized a $172 million deal with Gulfstream to acquire two used G700s instead.

The G700 is known for having “the most spacious cabin in the industry,” featuring up to five living areas and a 7,750-mile range, per Gulfstream’s website. The planes can carry as many as 13 passengers and include costs for pilot training, “specialized paint,” and “cabin enhancements,” The Washington Post reported.

In response to the Times report, DHS shared a screenshot of the story on X, clarifying that the USCG purchased the planes for agency use—not solely for Noem.

USCG Adm. Kevin Lunday defended the decision, calling it a “vital need to modernize command and control capabilities to meet today’s rapidly evolving operational demands.” He said the investment ensures “continuity of operations and mission success” as maritime and national security challenges grow.

“This is a matter of safety and mission readiness,” added Sean Plankey, senior adviser to the Secretary for the Coast Guard. “Senior military officials and Cabinet members need secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility.”

The USCG said the new aircraft will replace nearly 20-year-old planes that have been plagued by maintenance issues. Since January 2025, the Coast Guard’s long-range fleet reportedly faced 30 days of unplanned maintenance and six canceled missions.

Congressional Democrats sharply criticized the purchase. Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois sent a letter to Noem expressing concern over the use of taxpayer money. “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,” the letter read, per The Washington Post.

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) also condemned the move amid the ongoing government shutdown, saying, “While members of the Coast Guard are focused on keeping our seas safe even though many are not getting paid, Secretary Kristi Noem wants to buy hundred million dollar jets. Secretary Noem: cool your jets and fly commercial,” The Hill reported.

In a response, Plankey said, “Flippant comments like this are great for clicks and fundraising emails, but don’t reflect the reality of protecting the American people 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.”

On Monday, Oct. 20, Noem defended the purchase, saying the planes “are necessary for the mission of the Coast Guard.” She added, “Congress appropriated the dollars and paid for them in the big beautiful bill. We’re grateful that we’re able to move forward and make sure that course design 2028 for the Coast Guard is mission fulfilled.”

The deal follows earlier criticism that Noem used an existing USCG jet for personal travel and stayed rent-free at a home designated for the Coast Guard’s top admiral. DHS representatives told The Washington Post that her residence was temporary and that she reimbursed the government for private flights on official aircraft.