The Donald Trump administration will not let go of the $70 million jet that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem leased during her tenure. The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration wants to use the plane for the travel of some officials. First lady Melania Trump will also have access to the jet, which the Journal described as nicer than most other government jets. Kristi Noem chartered a jet for her private trip across the country with her partner and rumored boyfriend Corey Lewandowski. Noem had planned to buy it, and it was officially intended for high-profile deportations involving diplomatic coordination. ICE was handling the purchase of the jet, however, after the firing of ICE official Kristi Noem, the administration postponed plans to purchase the jet. But after Noem’s ouster, the White House took control of the aircraft purchases. Use of the aircraft is now approved by top White House officials rather than DHS officials. A DHS spokesperson confirmed to WSJ that the plane ultimately cost about $70 million.“ICE purchased this aircraft before Secretary Mullin was confirmed,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “This aircraft will be available to Cabinet members who require secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility.”
Why is this jet controversial?
The jet was embroiled in a major controversy as reports indicated that it had luxury amenities that do not go with executive jets and perhaps Noem was purchasing it for her personal use. It has a full bedroom, shower facilities, four large flat-screen TVs and even a bar.The funding of this jet also came into question as Noem was accused of planning to use border funds for the purchase. Noem purchased two Gulfstream G700 luxury jets in October, even though the department had never had luxury jets before. This was the third aircraft, a Boeing 737 nicknamed the Big Beautiful Jet. This funding came from a cash investment from the One Big Beautiful bill to DHS.The plane is less expensive than Air Force One, with a full office and bedroom, kitchen and other high-tech components. But it has more features than Air Force Two, which is used by the Vice President.
