Homeland Security Chief Noem Faces Backlash Over $300M Private Jet Spending

Funds allocated for border security used for luxury travel, sparking outrage from White House officials

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:39am

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has come under fire for spending over $300 million on three private luxury jets to shuttle her around the world, with the funds allocated by Congress for border security. The scandal has sparked outrage from White House officials, who have called it "an abuse" and a misuse of federal money. The lavish spending on private jets has raised concerns about Noem's priorities and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds.

Why it matters

The controversy over Noem's private jet spending highlights the ongoing tensions between the White House and Democrats over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. It also raises questions about government accountability and the appropriate use of public funds, especially during a time of budget constraints and competing priorities.

The details

According to an Axios report, Noem has blown through over $300 million on three private luxury jets, including a top-of-the-line Boeing 737 Max 8 business jet. The money was allocated by Congress for border security, but Noem has used it for her own lavish travel. White House officials have criticized the spending, calling it "the world's worst deal to buy an aircraft" and "an abuse" of federal funds. The scandal comes amid a budget fight between the White House and Democrats over DHS funding.

  • In October 2025, Noem was given $170 million to cover the cost of two Gulfstream G700 jets.
  • Last week, Noem's luxury private jet was mocked for its "exceptional interior design" and resemblance to Austin Powers' "shag jet".

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, who has come under fire for spending over $300 million on private luxury jets for her travel.

Russ Vought

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who previously expressed concerns about Noem's spending on private jets.

Bennie Thompson

The top Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security, who called Noem's spending "wholly inappropriate," "blatantly immoral," and "probably illegal".

Steve Schmidt

A former GOP strategist who referenced Noem's exorbitant private jet spending.

Steve Ellis

The president of the watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, who questioned whether Noem's request for a new private jet was a "planned replacement" or a "top-down decision" to get her a "fancy new jet".

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What they’re saying

“wholly inappropriate', 'blatantly immoral,' and 'probably illegal'”

— Bennie Thompson, Top Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Noem to continue using the private jets.

The takeaway

This scandal highlights the ongoing tensions over government spending and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds, especially when it comes to high-level officials using public money for personal luxury. It raises questions about accountability and transparency in the federal government.