Democrats in Congress are criticizing the Trump administration for approving the $172 million purchase of two Gulfstream G700 jets during the ongoing government shutdown. The jets, intended for use by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other senior leaders, were acquired through a sole-source contract signed by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to government contracting records.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the decision, stating the jets will replace an aging Gulfstream CG-101 G550 aircraft that has been in service for over two decades and has exceeded its operational lifespan. DHS emphasized that the shutdown would not delay the replacement process, citing the urgent need to modernize its Long Range Command Control fleet.
However, Democratic lawmakers are demanding accountability over the funding source and priorities of the purchase. Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Lauren Underwood condemned the decision in a letter to Noem, arguing that resources should focus on strengthening the Coast Guard’s readiness rather than “executive comfort.”
Representative Bennie Thompson, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, called for an investigation, labeling the expenditure “blatantly immoral” and “potentially illegal.” Thompson noted that Congress had previously denied a DHS request for a $50 million jet earlier this year, and pointed out that many Coast Guard aircraft date back to the 1980s, underscoring the disparity in spending priorities.
The controversy comes as DHS faces scrutiny for its uneven pay policies during the shutdown, which cover 70,000 sworn officers, including air marshals, but exclude about 50,000 TSA checkpoint workers. Bloomberg Government was the first to report on the controversial aircraft acquisition.