Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference at a federal office building on October 20, 2025
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on October 20, 2025 in Bradenton, Florida.
The U.S. Coast Guard requested a $50 million budget increase in May to purchase a new private jet
On Oct. 18, The New York Times reported that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now has a contract to purchase two Gulfstream private jets for $172 million
"This is a matter of safety and mission readiness,” senior adviser to the Secretary for the Coast Guard, Sean Plankey, said in a news release
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to purchase two Gulfstream private jets for $172 million, The New York Times reports.
The two jets are reportedly intended for use for department secretary Kristi Noem, top DHS officials, and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officials, per the Times. The move comes months after the Coast Guard requested a $50 million budget increase, reportedly in an effort to replace Noem's aging jet with a new long-range Gulfstream V jet.
However, since the May request, the department has signed a $172 million contract with Gulfstream to buy not one but two used G700 jets.
The aircrafts are recognized for having the “most spacious cabin in the industry,” with room for up to five living spaces, per the Gulfstream website. The planes have a range of 7,750 miles, and can accommodate up to 13 passengers. The purchase includes payment for training, as well as jet upgrades including “specialized paint” and “cabin enhancements,” per The Washington Post.
Seats onboard a Gulfstream G700 business jet, manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a unit of General Dynamics Corp., on display during the Singapore Airshow in Singapore, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.
Seats onboard a Gulfstream G700 business jet, manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a unit of General Dynamics Corp., on display during the Singapore Airshow in Singapore, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.
In response to the Times report, the DHS posted a screenshot of the story to X, and said the USCG had bought government planes for its staffers, not for just Noem.
USCG Adm. Kevin Lunday said in a Saturday, Oct. 18 statement that the investment is a “vital need to modernize its command and control capabilities to meet today’s rapidly evolving operational demands,” adding, “As maritime activity increases and national security challenges grow more complex, maintaining reliable air mobility is essential to ensuring continuity of operations and mission success.”
"This is a matter of safety and mission readiness,” senior adviser to the Secretary for the Coast Guard, Sean Plankey, said. “It’s well known that senior military officials and Cabinet members need secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility.”
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The USCG said the purchase will replace planes that were nearly 20 years old “and experiencing several unplanned maintenance issues.”
“Since January 2025, U.S. Coast Guard long-range command and control aircraft experienced 30 days of unplanned maintenance, with six missions requiring unplanned cancellation,” the news release said.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a roundtable about antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 08 October 2025
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a roundtable about antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 08 October 2025
Congressional Democrats denounced the $200 million contract. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Rep. Lauren Underwood of Illinois penned a letter to Noem on Saturday, Oct. 18. DeLauro is the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, while Underwood is the ranking Democrat on the House's homeland security subcommittee.
“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,” their letter read, per The Washington Post. “We are deeply concerned about your judgment, leadership priorities, and responsibility as a steward of taxpayer dollars.”
Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), who serves as a member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, criticized the purchase, noting the ongoing government shutdown.
“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,” Larsen said in a statement, per The Hill. “Secretary Noem: cool your jets and fly commercial.”
USCG senior advisor Plankey issued a statement to PEOPLE in response. "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."
Plankey's statement continued: "As a member of congressional leadership, and the top Democrat on the transportation and infrastructure committee, he should know more about this matter than his comments indicate."
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, flanked by Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration Ha McNeil and Adam Stahl, TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, speaks during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on July 8, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, flanked by Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration Ha McNeil and Adam Stahl, TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, speaks during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on July 8, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.
On Monday, Oct. 20, Noem was asked about the contract, and said that the aircrafts “are necessary for the mission of the Coast Guard.”
“Congress appropriated the dollars and paid for them in the big beautiful bill,” she continued. “We're grateful that we're able to move forward and make sure that course design 2028 for the Coast Guard is mission fulfilled and they can continue to serve our country not just in a search and rescue mission but also cooperating with our Department of War.”
These recents contract follows the previous criticism that she used the existing USCG jet for personal travel. It also comes after August reports that Noem was living rent-free at a home reserved for the USCG's top admiral.
DHS spokespeople told The Washington Post that her use of the residence was temporary, and she also reimbursed the government for private travel on the government aircraft.