DHS Purchases $172M Gulfstream G700 Jets for Secretary Noem and Officials

The Department of Homeland Security has purchased two Gulfstream private jets for Kristi Noem, the secretary, and other top department officials at a cost of $172 million

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sparked controversy by purchasing two Gulfstream G700 private jets for Secretary Kristi Noem and other senior officials. The $172 million contract, awarded through the US Coast Guard during a partial federal government shutdown, has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers questioning the timing, funding source, and necessity amidst budget constraints. DHS and the Coast Guard defend the acquisition, citing the need to replace aging aircraft critical for secure, reliable command and control and leadership mobility.

• DHS signed a $172 million contract to buy two used Gulfstream G700 jets to replace aging aircraft used by Secretary Kristi Noem and top Coast Guard officials.
• The purchase exceeds the Coast Guard’s original $50 million budget request and was conducted via a sole-source contract, raising questions about transparency and justification.
• Democrats in Congress have sharply criticized the acquisition as a luxury expense during a government shutdown, demanding clarification on funding and procurement processes.
• Coast Guard officials argue the new jets are essential to maintain mission readiness, citing maintenance problems and obsolescence in the current Gulfstream G550 aircraft.
• The ultra-long-range Gulfstream G700 is a state-of-the-art private jet with advanced communications, customized for government command and control missions, but its high cost and luxury features fuel criticism amid fiscal scrutiny.

Background and acquisition details

Early in 2025, the US Coast Guard requested $50 million in its budget for a new long-range Gulfstream V jet to replace an aging aircraft deployed for senior DHS leadership transport, including Secretary Kristi Noem. According to Admiral Kevin Lunday, the acting Coast Guard commandant, current jets suffered from obsolete avionics and unreliable communications, impeding operational effectiveness. He stressed that new aircraft were vital for secure, on-demand travel to visit deployed forces and coordinate multi-agency missions efficiently.

Subsequently, DHS shifted to purchase two used Gulfstream G700 jets—an advanced model with the "most spacious cabin in the industry," manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics subsidiary. Documents indicate the contract’s value at just over $172 million, although total costs could approach $200 million when support and customization are considered.

The jets will replace the Coast Guard’s 22-year-old Gulfstream G550s, which have logged significant unplanned maintenance resulting in canceled missions. DHS maintains that the purchase is crucial for continuing national security operations and leadership mobility.

Criticism and political response

Democratic members of the House Appropriations Committee, including Rosa DeLauro and Lauren Underwood, directly challenged Secretary Noem to clarify the funding source and questioned the leadership’s fiscal priorities. They highlighted that the contract contradicts previous Coast Guard procurement strategies and expressed concern that the purchase prioritizes comfort over operational needs during a government shutdown that left many DHS employees unpaid.

Critics have also cited Ms. Noem’s history of costly spending during her public career, including taxpayer-funded personal travel, a $68,000 mansion redecoration during her time as South Dakota governor, and allegations of using government assets for private purposes. These patterns compound scrutiny over the private jets procurement.

Republican lawmakers earlier allocated $25 billion in new Coast Guard funding that includes $2.3 billion for rotary-wing aircraft acquisition, with Noem noting she used some funds to prevent pay interruptions amid shutdown-related furloughs.

DHS and Coast Guard defense

Coast Guard spokesperson Sean Plankey emphasized the necessity of modern, secure command and control aircraft to ensure mission readiness and effective communication at all times. Admiral Kevin Lunday described the investment as vital to meet evolving operational demands.

DHS officials contend the aging Gulfstream G550 fleet has exceeded safe operational limits and lacks the advanced secure communication systems needed for modern strategic missions. The G700 offers enhanced range, speed, and avionics, essential for reliable leadership mobility globally.

The Gulfstream G700: luxury meets function

The Gulfstream G700, certified by the FAA in 2024, represents the pinnacle of ultra-long-range business jets. Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, it boasts a range of 7,750 nautical miles (14,350 km) and a roomy cabin configurable into up to five living zones, suitable for conferences, rest, and sensitive communications. Government variants can be equipped with encrypted command-and-control systems tailored for executive missions.

Though luxurious and expensive—the list price for a new G700 can exceed $78 million per aircraft, and charter costs run $21,000 to $25,000 per hour—the G700 is widely regarded as necessary for high-level government travel requiring security and uninterrupted operational communication.

Fiscal and ethical implications

The timing and scope of the purchase during a government shutdown have intensified controversy. Lawmakers are demanding transparency on procurement justifications and funding. Some have interpreted the acquisition as emblematic of misplaced priorities, especially when frontline TSA and Customs employees face pay uncertainties.

Opponents argue that this procurement reflects poorly on stewardship of taxpayer dollars and could damage morale within the department. Proponents counter that advanced mobility and secure communications are non-negotiable for national security leadership in today’s fast-paced geopolitical environment.

Conclusion

DHS’s commitment to replacing aging executive aircraft with two Gulfstream G700s reflects a complex balance between operational necessity and political accountability. As Congress reviews the procurement, discussions about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and leadership priorities are expected to continue. Secretary Kristi Noem’s personal role in approving high-value contracts further magnifies scrutiny on her stewardship at the Department of Homeland Security.

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This story illuminates the challenges faced by government agencies in modernizing critical assets while navigating budgetary constraints and political oversight. The Gulfstream jets symbolize both technological progress and contentious debate over public spending in the current American political climate.

Questions and answers

Q: Department of Homeland Security Gulfstream jets purchase

A: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has acquired Gulfstream jets to enhance the mobility and operational capabilities of its senior officials. These jets are intended for secure, efficient travel across the country and for missions that require rapid deployment. The purchase aims to support critical national security functions by providing reliable transportation that meets the demands of DHS leadership.

Q: Cost of DHS private jets for officials

A: The cost of private jets acquired by the Department of Homeland Security for officials varies depending on the model and outfitting requirements, but recent purchases, such as the Gulfstream G700 jets, have been reported to cost in the range of hundreds of millions of dollars collectively. These expenses include not only the purchase price but also modifications for security and communication systems, as well as ongoing maintenance and operational costs.

Q: Kristi Noem role in DHS jet acquisition

A: There is no publicly documented evidence that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem played any role in the Department of Homeland Security's acquisition of Gulfstream jets. The jet purchase decisions are made within federal agencies and their leadership, and involvement of state governors like Noem in these specific federal procurement processes is not typical or reported.

Q: Controversy over government jet spending 2025

A: In 2025, controversy arose over government jet spending due to concerns about the high costs of purchasing and maintaining luxury aircraft for officials, such as the Gulfstream jets acquired by the Department of Homeland Security. Critics questioned whether such expenditures are justified given budgetary constraints and called for greater transparency and scrutiny in government spending priorities. Supporters argue that these jets are essential for national security and efficient government operations.

Q: Why did DHS buy Gulfstream G700 jets

A: The Department of Homeland Security purchased Gulfstream G700 jets to provide advanced, secure, and efficient air transportation for senior officials and missions requiring rapid mobility. The G700 jets offer state-of-the-art technology, extended range, and enhanced communications capabilities, all critical for conducting sensitive government operations and maintaining readiness. The acquisition aims to ensure DHS leadership can respond quickly to national security challenges.

Key Entities

Department of Homeland Security: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for public security, including anti-terrorism, border security, and disaster prevention. It oversees agencies such as the Coast Guard and plays a key role in national emergency management.

Kristi Noem: Kristi Noem is the Governor of South Dakota, known for her conservative policies and emphasis on state-level governance. She has been involved in various national discussions regarding state rights and public health measures.

United States Coast Guard: The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces tasked with maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and can be transferred to the Navy during wartime.

Gulfstream Aerospace: Gulfstream Aerospace is an American aircraft manufacturer specializing in business jets and executive aircraft. It is recognized for producing advanced, long-range private jets used by both corporate and government clients.

Admiral Kevin Lunday: Admiral Kevin Lunday is a senior officer in the United States Coast Guard, serving in leadership roles related to homeland security and maritime operations. He has experience overseeing missions that integrate military and homeland defense objectives.

External articles

• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Spends $200 Million of Taxpayer ...
• Kristi Noem defends $170M purchase of Gulfstream jets for ...
• Democrats rip DHS jet purchase during shutdown

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