- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem approved a >$170 million sole-source Gulfstream contract to replace aging Coast Guard jets, including one for her travel.
- Democrats criticize the timing and lack of competitive bidding amid a shutdown, demanding documents and possible oversight into costs and justification.
In the thick of an ongoing government shutdown that’s left thousands of federal workers without pay, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is standing firm on a controversial decision to greenlight a multimillion-dollar contract for new Gulfstream jets.
The purchase, aimed at updating the U.S. Coast Guard’s aging fleet, has drawn sharp rebukes from Democrats who argue it’s a misplaced priority that favors top officials over frontline employees.
Noem addressed the backlash head-on during a press conference on Monday, emphasizing that the jets are essential for Coast Guard operations and that the funds were already secured by Congress earlier this year.
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“These aircraft are Coast Guard aircraft to replace 25-year-old airplanes that are necessary for the mission of the Coast Guard. Congress appropriated the dollars and paid for them in the ‘big, beautiful bill,’ and we’re grateful that we’re able to move forward,” Noem said.
The contract in question involves procuring jets from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, with a total price tag exceeding $170 million.
One of the aircraft is designated for the secretary’s travel, while the others will support broader Coast Guard duties.
The funding stemmed from a last-minute addition to congressional appropriations back in May, which has fueled suspicions about the process and its opacity.
Democrats Demand Answers on ‘Sole Source’ Contract and Costs
Congressional Democrats have zeroed in on the deal, particularly its timing during the shutdown and the fact that it ballooned far beyond the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) original ask of $50 million for a single new plane.
In a pointed letter dated Sunday, House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) called for more details from Noem, highlighting what they described as a “sole source contract” with Gulfstream for two G700 luxury jets.
“It has come to our attention that, in the midst of a government shutdown, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) entered into a sole source contract with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to procure two new G700 luxury jets to support travel for you and the Deputy Secretary, at a cost to the taxpayer of $200 million,” the lawmakers wrote.
They went further, accusing Noem of self-prioritization: “It appears you are routinely prioritizing yourself and those closest to you over the needs of the USCG servicemembers who protect this nation.”
The letter also alluded to Noem’s recent use of Coast Guard housing—typically reserved for the commandant—following reported death threats against her, suggesting a pattern of utilizing agency resources for personal benefit.
Broader Backlash Highlights Shutdown Strains on Essential Workers
The controversy has rippled beyond the House, with Senate Democrats amplifying the criticism on social media and in statements.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) took to X to underscore the opportunity cost of the expenditure.
“The more than $170 million Sec. Noem is using to buy jets for her luxury travel would help fund a lot of pay checks for TSA & air traffic controllers,” Blumenthal posted.
“She should pay essential workers & stop putting herself before dedicated public servants.”
This sentiment echoes wider frustrations amid the shutdown, which has caused widespread flight delays and left furloughed workers uncertain about back pay.
An OMB memo has even suggested that not all affected employees may receive compensation once the impasse ends.
Noem and DHS officials maintain that the jets are a long-overdue replacement for outdated equipment, critical for maintaining operational readiness.
The Coast Guard’s current fleet, they argue, is over 25 years old and increasingly unreliable.
Scrutiny and Potential Oversight
As the shutdown drags on, this jet purchase could become a flashpoint in broader debates over federal spending and priorities.
DeLauro and Underwood’s letter requests a swift response with documentation on the contract’s justification, cost overruns, and why it proceeded without competitive bidding.
For now, Noem’s defense hinges on the pre-appropriated funds, but with Democrats controlling key committees, expect more hearings and investigations if the deal doesn’t pass muster.
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