Coast Guard Pilot Fired Over Kristi Noem's Blanket, Then Reinstated

A seemingly minor incident has spiraled into a revealing glimpse of the internal workings of the Department of Homeland Security.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A seemingly minor incident – a forgotten blanket on a Coast Guard plane belonging to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem – has spiraled into a revealing glimpse of the internal workings of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The fallout from this oversight led to the temporary firing of a Coast Guard pilot, only to be quickly reinstated when the need for a functioning aircraft became apparent. This incident isn't just about a misplaced item; it's a symptom of a larger pattern of behavior within DHS, raising questions about accountability and the influence of political appointees.

Why it matters

The blanket incident is just one piece of a broader narrative surrounding Noem's leadership at DHS. Reports suggest a concerning trend of significant turnover in leadership within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as alleged rivalries and a perceived competition for media attention. This focus on optics, rather than substance, underscores a potential disconnect between political maneuvering and effective policy implementation.

The details

The Wall Street Journal's investigation highlights a concerning trend: a significant turnover in leadership within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The report alleges that Secretary Noem and her close advisor, Corey Lewandowski, have 'fired or demoted roughly 80% of the career ICE field leadership' since their arrival. This level of disruption raises concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the agency, particularly as it navigates complex challenges like the ongoing immigration debate.

  • The Coast Guard pilot was temporarily fired after Secretary Noem's blanket was left on a plane following a switch in aircraft.
  • The pilot was quickly reinstated when it became clear no one else was available to fly them back.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary whose forgotten blanket on a Coast Guard plane led to the temporary firing of a pilot.

Corey Lewandowski

A close advisor to Secretary Noem who has reportedly been involved in personnel decisions at DHS, contributing to a significant turnover in ICE leadership.

Tom Homan

Trump's former border czar, who reportedly had a perceived rivalry with Secretary Noem.

Alex Pretti

An individual whose death during an ICE operation in Minneapolis led to controversy and inaccurate claims by Secretary Noem.

Renee Good

An individual whose death during an ICE operation in Minneapolis also led to controversy.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Wall Street Journal report suggests the need for greater transparency and accountability within DHS, as the rapid turnover of experienced personnel and allegations of politically motivated decisions could undermine the agency's ability to effectively address critical national security challenges.

The takeaway

The blanket incident highlights a broader pattern of behavior within DHS, raising questions about accountability and the influence of political appointees. This incident is a symptom of a larger issue that requires addressing to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the agency in fulfilling its critical national security responsibilities.