Kristi Noem Criticizes New York Times Over Controversial DHS Jet Contracts

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly condemned a New York Times article accusing her of awarding expensive government contracts to a political donor’s company during her final days at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report details the purchase of luxury aircraft at prices well above market value, sparking widespread scrutiny of Noem’s tenure and contract practices.

Noem’s Response to Allegations

In a series of social media posts, Noem strongly disputed the accuracy of the New York Times article, calling it “dishonest” and “factually incorrect.” She demanded the outlet retract the story, arguing that the term “donor” was misapplied and that the article failed to meet the newspaper’s standards for precision. Noem referenced herself in the third person, stating that multiple clarifications had been provided to the journalists, labeling the story “libelous.” She criticized the wording for unfairly prejudicing readers and implying wrongdoing unsupported by the facts.

Details of the Controversial Aircraft Purchases

The report revealed that DHS awarded a no-competition contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation, a Virginia-based company chaired by William Walters, a known pro-Trump donor. Before this contract, Daedalus had never received a government contract. DHS paid $108 million for a Boeing 737 Max 8 that Daedalus had purchased just months earlier for $90 million. Two smaller luxury jets were bought for $106 million after Daedalus acquired them for $83 million. Additionally, two nearly 20-year-old Boeing 737 passenger planes were purchased for $45 million each, prices aviation experts told the Times were significantly above market value.

Political Connections and Financial Implications

William Walters, a former State Department surgeon and major donor to pro-Trump causes, has political ties to Noem. He contributed $10,000 during the 2024 presidential election to a super PAC linked with Noem. The super PAC’s sister nonprofit paid Noem’s chief adviser, Corey Lewandowski, more than $265,000 for consulting work. Walters has also donated to the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump organization. Under Noem, DHS paid Daedalus approximately $464 million for ten unused aircraft. These contract awards, alongside other scandals, drew intense scrutiny of Noem’s leadership before President Donald Trump removed her from the DHS post.

Transition and Aftermath

Markwayne Mullin succeeded Noem as DHS secretary in March. The department distanced itself from the contract, stating in a message to the Daily Beast that the Daedalus contract was approved by leadership before Mullin’s swearing-in. Noem’s dismissal was announced by President Trump via a Truth Social post, amid reports of multiple controversies including an alleged affair with Lewandowski, the deaths of two U.S. citizens caused by DHS agents, and a costly $220 million advertising campaign featuring Noem on horseback in South Dakota. The ad campaign itself faced scrutiny because Noem’s former spokesperson’s husband, Ben Yoho, financially benefited as a subcontractor.

The revelations about the DHS aircraft purchases add to the series of controversies that marred Noem’s tenure and culminated in her removal from office.