DHS leaders gave themselves perks paid by taxpayers. Secretary Kristi Noem lived rent-free in the Coast Guard commandant’s waterfront home, a benefit past DHS chiefs didn’t get. The Coast Guard also moved to buy two high-end Gulfstream G700 jets—costing around $172–$200 million with luxury upgrades—even during a government shutdown. Critics say this puts leaders’ comfort ahead of mission needs. Noem has often used Coast Guard jets for trips, paying back only at coach-ticket rates, and her office even complained when a preferred weighted blanket wasn’t provided. Overall, it looks like luxury travel and housing were expanded for personal comfort on the public’s dime.
¶ DHS leadership expanded access to luxury transport and housing for personal comfort at public expense
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem moved into the Coast Guard commandant’s waterfront residence at Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling without paying rent—an arrangement former DHS chiefs and other Cabinet officials have not received—and drew ethics concerns from ex-officials and lawmakers. (washingtonpost.com)
- The Coast Guard, overseen by DHS, committed to buy two top‑of‑the‑line Gulfstream G700 jets for use by Noem and other senior officials at an estimated total cost of about $200 million, including “specialized paint” and “cabin enhancements,” far above the agency’s earlier $50 million request for a single jet. (washingtonpost.com)
- Reuters independently reported DHS authorized two Gulfstream G700s for $172 million during a government shutdown, with Democrats calling it prioritization of leadership comfort over operational needs. (reuters.com)
- Noem has frequently used Coast Guard Gulfstream aircraft, including for trips home to South Dakota, with DHS saying she reimburses only at the coach fare rate; her office even escalated a complaint when a preferred weighted blanket wasn’t provided on a flight—underscoring the personal‑comfort orientation of this usage. (washingtonpost.com)