President Trump isn’t alone in pursuing new aircraft. Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem is getting a late addition to the Coast Guard’s budget.
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), who plays a significant role on the House Appropriations Committee for Homeland Security, has criticized the agency over a $50 million item that was never previously mentioned.
“We were alarmed last Friday when we saw this unexpected addition to our Fiscal 25 spending plan—a new Gulfstream 5 for Secretary Noem’s personal trips, funded by the Coast Guard budget. She already has one,” she stated.
The Department of Homeland Security is standing by this budget request.
“The existing CG-101 G550 is over 20 years old and far exceeds the typical operating hours for corporate aircraft,” said spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin in a statement.
“This poses a safety issue, not only for Coast Guard vessels but also for aircraft,” she added. “This administration aims to restore our nation’s top maritime service into a capable combat force.”
Coast Guard Admiral Kevin Landai didn’t respond directly to questions from Underwood regarding whether he was instructed to request a plane from higher-ups in the DHS, but he did back the need for it.
“It’s aging, nearing obsolescence, and approaching the end of its service life. The avionics and communication systems are increasingly outdated, similar to many other fleets that require updates,” he explained.
“This aircraft is essential for providing a secretary, a deputy chief, myself, my acting commander, and an assistant acting commander with safe and reliable on-demand communication and movement,” he added.
Funding for Noem’s planes comes after Trump announced plans to accept a $400 million jet that Qatar financed to serve as Air Force One.
