Waste of the Day: Kristi Noem Buys Two Luxury Jets
Topline: Air traffic controllers across the country are working without pay during the government shutdown as flight delays cause huge issues for travelers.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will have no trouble with air travel thanks to two new jet planes bought for her and other department officials, including one for her private travel. The total bill for taxpayers is $172 million, the New York Times first reported.
Key facts: The two jets are Gulfstream G700s, described by Business Insider as the “jet of choice for billionaires” and the “pinnacle of the luxury market.” Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk reportedly each own one.
A new Gulfstream G700 costs $78 million, according to Business Insider.
But the used ones are being bought for $86 million each, for a total of $172. Most of the extra cost likely comes from communication and security upgrades, but also for “specialized paint” and “cabin enhancements,” according to the Washington Post, which estimates an even higher $200 million cost.
The plane can fit 19 passengers. Doug Gollan, the founder of Private Jet Card Comparison, told Business Insider, "It's the top of the top top tier of private jets in the market.”
Norm’s new jets were originally supposed to cost only $50 million when she slotted them into the Coast Guard’s budget request in the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” and they faced criticism even at that lower price tag. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the ranking member of the House Homeland Security panel, wrote a letter to Noem explaining that if $50 million was spent on jet planes, there would not be enough funding for the Coast Guard’s “search and rescue and other critical missions.”
Critical quote: House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Homeland Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Lauren Underwood (D-IL) claim Noem never notified either committee that she planned to spend more than $50 million on new jets. In a letter to Noem, they wrote, “Your first priority should be to organize, train and equip a Coast Guard that is strong enough to meet today's mission requirements. Instead, it appears your first priority is your own comfort.”
Supporting quote: Sean Plankey, senior advisor to the secretary for the Coast Guard, said in a press release, “It's well known that senior military officials and cabinet members need secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility. Flippant comments 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."
Background: Noem’s planes cost less than the supposedly “free” plane President Donald Trump accepted as a gift from Qatar earlier this year. The Boeing jet will cost over $1 billion to renovate into Air Force One, and by 2029 it will be taken out of use and displayed in Trump’s presidential library.
Summary: Bezos and Musk are free to use their own money to buy whatever plane they would like. Noem should be much more frugal when spending tax dollars.
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