Scoop: Noem burning deportation cash on luxury jets

"This is the world's worst deal to buy an aircraft. This is an abuse, calling it a misuse of federal money. Russ Vought, who runs the Office of Management and Budget, raised concerns about the luxury jet spending to the White House, sources told Axios."

"The two Gulfstreams cost a total of roughly $200 million. They initially were paid for out of accounts meant to secure the maritime border, buy new C-130 Hercules planes, and upgrade the Coast Guard's older fleet, three sources familiar told Axios."

"DHS explained that it bought these planes to allow commanders to address key mission requirements across domestic and international areas of responsibility, including reliable access to secure communication suites during principal movements."

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem acquired two Gulfstream G700 luxury jets in October for approximately $200 million, funded from accounts designated for maritime border security and Coast Guard fleet upgrades. A third aircraft, a Boeing 737, is being leased with plans for purchase at $70 million. The funding originates from the One Big Beautiful Bill's allocation to DHS, which includes money for border security and Operation Homecoming. Senior administration officials and OMB Director Russ Vought have raised concerns about the expenditure, characterizing it as wasteful use of federal resources. DHS justified the purchases as necessary for commanders to address mission requirements and maintain secure communications during principal movements.

Read at Axios