The White House confirmed on Wednesday that it will maintain control of a $70 million Boeing 737 luxury jet, originally commissioned by former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The decision to retain the aircraft comes after Noem was ousted from her position amid spending controversies.
The aircraft, which was initially leased to support deportation operations and official DHS travel, has been reassigned to the White House fleet for executive use. Administration officials stated that the jet will now serve the transportation needs of First Lady Melania Trump and senior cabinet members.
Equipped with high-end amenities, the Boeing 737 features a private bedroom, a fully stocked bar, a kitchen, and multiple television displays. These luxury modifications were a central point of contention during Noem’s tenure, as critics questioned the necessity of such features for government missions.
During her time leading the Department of Homeland Security, the acquisition of the customized jet drew significant criticism from both congressional oversight committees and internal federal watchdogs. Reports indicate the lease was signed to provide mobile command capabilities, though the comfort-focused upgrades remained controversial.
While the aircraft was marketed as a dual-purpose tool for high-security logistics, internal documents revealed that the luxury features often superseded functional requirements. Despite the previous pushback regarding the $70 million price tag, the Trump administration has opted to keep the asset under White House jurisdiction.
The decision to repurpose the plane rather than terminating the lease or returning the aircraft has sparked renewed debate over executive branch spending. Members of the House Oversight Committee have previously called for a full audit of the procurement process initiated by Noem’s office.
The White House has not yet released a detailed cost-benefit analysis regarding the continued maintenance of the aircraft under its new designation. Supporters of the move suggest that utilizing an existing lease for high-level officials is a practical use of resources and ensures secure travel.
Opponents, however, point to the optics of retaining a luxury vehicle amid broader discussions regarding fiscal responsibility. As of Wednesday morning, the jet is stationed at a secure facility in the capital region, awaiting its first scheduled mission under the new White House directive.