Iowa Governor Accused of Misusing State Plane for Political Trips

Records show Reynolds used state-owned aircraft for over 130 flights, raising concerns over transparency and taxpayer costs.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has been using a state-owned patrol plane for official trips and events, a shift from the practice of her predecessor, former Governor Terry Branstad. State records show the plane made over 137 flights between February 2025 and February 2026, with some flights corresponding to the governor's public appearances. The Iowa Democratic Party has criticized Reynolds, accusing her of corruption and a betrayal of public trust by using the state plane for political purposes.

Why it matters

The use of state-owned aircraft for official business is a sensitive issue, as it raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the appropriate use of taxpayer resources. This case highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between government efficiency and the responsible stewardship of public funds.

The details

According to the Des Moines Register, the Iowa Department of Public Safety purchased a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in December 2024 using federal COVID-19 relief funds. The plane was initially intended to support aerial searches, fugitive investigations, crime scene documentation, and traffic enforcement. However, the agency's 2025 annual report added 'Executive transport' to the Air Wing's list of duties, a designation not included in previous reports. Flight tracking data shows the plane made 137 flights during the period, with some corresponding to the governor's public events.

  • The state purchased the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in December 2024.
  • The plane made 137 flights between February 26, 2025, and February 19, 2026.
  • Reynolds used the plane for trips to Waterloo, Davenport, Sioux City, and Cedar Falls in 2025 and 2026.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The current governor of Iowa who has been using the state-owned patrol plane for official trips.

Terry Branstad

The former governor of Iowa who did not support maintaining a state plane for transporting public officials, citing it as an unnecessary expense.

Iowa Department of Public Safety

The state agency that purchased the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in December 2024 using federal COVID-19 relief funds.

Terra Hernandez

The spokesperson for the Iowa Democratic Party, who criticized Reynolds for using the state plane for political events.

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What they’re saying

“Kim Reynolds is taking her corruption to new heights, all on the taxpayer's dime. Reynolds using a state plane to fly to political events and lying about its purpose is not only disrespectful to Iowa taxpayers, it's a betrayal of public trust. This is exactly the type of shady and corrupt behavior you'd expect from the country's most unpopular governor.”

— Terra Hernandez, Iowa Democratic Party spokesperson (cbs2iowa.com)

“I did not support maintaining a state plane for transporting public officials, calling it an unnecessary expense. Officials could charter flights when needed and emphasized cost savings for taxpayers.”

— Terry Branstad, Former Iowa Governor (cbs2iowa.com)

What’s next

The Iowa Democratic Party has called for an investigation into Reynolds' use of the state plane, and the public will likely continue to scrutinize the governor's travel expenses and transparency around the aircraft's purpose.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of state resources and the need for elected officials to maintain high standards of transparency and accountability when it comes to taxpayer-funded assets. It also raises questions about the balance between government efficiency and responsible stewardship of public funds.