Trump Team Announces New $170 Purchase
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is standing her ground after Democrats launched a wave of attacks over a $170 million contract for new U.S. Coast Guard aircraft — jets that include one designated for official government travel.
Democrats claim the timing is “luxurious” amid the government shutdown. But Noem is reminding critics that the money was already approved and paid for months ago.
“These are Coast Guard aircraft — replacing 25-year-old planes vital to national defense,” Noem said during a press conference Monday. “Congress appropriated the funds in the big, beautiful bill. We’re just doing the job taxpayers already funded.”
💬 Democrats Lash Out — But the Facts Tell a Different Story
The money for the new Gulfstream G700 jets wasn’t some secret expense. It was appropriated by Congress back in May, as part of a bipartisan package.
Now, after months of delay, the Department of Homeland Security is simply moving forward with long-planned replacements for aging Coast Guard planes that patrol America’s coastlines.
But that didn’t stop Democrat lawmakers Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) from firing off a letter accusing Noem of prioritizing “luxury travel.”
“It appears you are prioritizing yourself over Coast Guard servicemembers,” the Democrats wrote — ignoring the fact that these planes are assigned to Coast Guard duty, not private use.
🚨 Democrat Hypocrisy on Full Display
Critics quickly noticed the irony.
While Democrats spend billions on climate programs, foreign aid, and pet projects, they’re suddenly crying foul over replacing 25-year-old Coast Guard planes that protect America’s borders.
Even Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) tried to grandstand online, claiming Noem’s jet order “could fund TSA and air-traffic-controller paychecks.”
But experts pointed out that the money can’t legally be diverted — it’s locked in by Congress for Coast Guard aviation upgrades.
✈️ Why These Jets Matter
The new aircraft are part of a long-delayed modernization effort for the U.S. Coast Guard, which patrols over 95,000 miles of American coastline and conducts critical missions from drug interdiction to disaster response.
These new jets will replace outdated aircraft that have become costly to maintain and increasingly unreliable.
Defense analysts say the move will improve national readiness and reduce emergency response times — a major win for U.S. homeland security.
🇺🇸 Noem: “This Is About Protecting America, Not Politics”
Despite partisan outrage, Noem remains focused on the mission: keeping the nation secure.
“This isn’t about politics or perks,” she said. “It’s about safety, readiness, and supporting the men and women who protect America’s shores.”
The South Dakota Republican has long been a favorite among conservatives for her no-nonsense leadership style and her refusal to bow to D.C. pressure.
🔎 The Bigger Picture — Biden’s Shutdown, Noem’s Leadership
As the Democrat-led shutdown drags on, many Americans are asking why Washington is targeting one of the few officials actually strengthening national defense.
Under President Trump, aircraft upgrades like this were celebrated as smart investments in America’s safety and sovereignty. Today, Democrats call them “luxuries.”
Noem’s move highlights a growing divide: Republicans focus on readiness and results — Democrats focus on optics and outrage.
