President Donald Trump has decided to retain a controversial $70 million luxury jet originally tied to former Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, repurposing it for broader use across his administration, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The aircraft, a customized Boeing 737 Max 8, had initially been slated for use by the Department of Homeland Security to assist with what were described as “high-profile deportations.” However, following Noem’s removal from her post last month, the administration has moved forward with acquiring the plane while shifting its oversight away from DHS. It will now be available to cabinet officials and first lady Melania Trump.
A DHS spokesperson said the aircraft will serve as a resource for officials who require “secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility.”
The jet’s interior has drawn particular attention. It reportedly includes a queen-size bed, showers, a full kitchen, multiple flat-screen televisions, and a cocktail bar—features that critics say are difficult to justify given its original purpose tied to immigration enforcement.
Some immigration advocates and conservative figures have questioned the cost and necessity of the aircraft. RJ Hauman, director of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement, criticized the expenditure, arguing that it does not directly contribute to deportation efforts.
Concerns have also been raised by Republican insiders. Marc Short, who previously served as chief of staff to former Vice President Mike Pence, noted that the decision appears to conflict with the administration’s stated goal of reducing government spending during Trump’s second term.
The controversy surrounding the jet comes amid broader scrutiny of Noem’s tenure at DHS. She was removed from her position in March after approximately 13 months in the role, following a series of internal challenges and public controversies. Among them was the handling of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, which resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during a confrontation with federal immigration agents. Noem faced criticism after referring to the individuals as “domestic terrorists,” a characterization she did not later retract.
Additional reports pointed to internal tensions within the department, including disputes with other officials and inconsistent management decisions. A February report by The Wall Street Journal also alleged that Noem had engaged in an extramarital relationship with political adviser Corey Lewandowski, though both denied the claims.
Following her departure, The Washington Examiner reported that some DHS staff reacted positively to the leadership change.
Despite Noem’s exit and the controversies surrounding her time in office, the aircraft project has continued. The administration’s decision to retain and repurpose the jet suggests it will remain part of federal operations, though its revised role has shifted away from its original immigration-focused mission.
The move has added to ongoing debates about federal spending priorities and the use of government resources at the highest levels of the administration.
