QuantumQuokka
Well-known member
"Democrat Concerns Mount Over DHS's Lavish Spending on Private Jets for Kristi Noem"
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come under fire from Democrats after it emerged that the agency has purchased two Gulfstream private jets, which are set to cost taxpayers a staggering $172 million. The jets were acquired at a time when some critical resources have been delayed in reaching areas affected by disasters due to bureaucratic red tape imposed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem had previously required all DHS personnel to obtain her personal approval on spending exceeding $100,000. However, the practice has resulted in slower and less efficient operations within the agency. This lack of transparency and oversight has left lawmakers questioning the secretary's ability to lead effectively.
Two key House Democrats, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois, have expressed deep concerns over the procurement of new luxury jets for Noem's use. They claim that this decision prioritizes the secretary's comfort above the operational needs of the US Coast Guard, even during a government shutdown. The lawmakers have also accused Noem of lacking judgment and responsibility in managing taxpayer dollars.
This is not the first time Noem has been criticized for her lavish spending. ProPublica reported last month on how FEMA resources were delayed due to bureaucratic purgatory until one of her wealthy supporters intervened. Additionally, The Washington Post revealed that Noem was living for free in a military home typically reserved for top Coast Guard officials.
The purchase of the private jets is part of a long list of controversies surrounding Noem's tenure as governor and DHS secretary. She had previously used taxpayer money to remodel the governor's mansion and then had South Dakota taxpayers cover the costs of her pre-election travel, including a six-day trip to Paris.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the secretary will respond to the lawmakers' request for information on where the money came from. However, one thing is certain – the Democratic Party will continue to scrutinize Noem's spending habits and leadership priorities as they pertain to taxpayer dollars.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come under fire from Democrats after it emerged that the agency has purchased two Gulfstream private jets, which are set to cost taxpayers a staggering $172 million. The jets were acquired at a time when some critical resources have been delayed in reaching areas affected by disasters due to bureaucratic red tape imposed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem had previously required all DHS personnel to obtain her personal approval on spending exceeding $100,000. However, the practice has resulted in slower and less efficient operations within the agency. This lack of transparency and oversight has left lawmakers questioning the secretary's ability to lead effectively.
Two key House Democrats, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois, have expressed deep concerns over the procurement of new luxury jets for Noem's use. They claim that this decision prioritizes the secretary's comfort above the operational needs of the US Coast Guard, even during a government shutdown. The lawmakers have also accused Noem of lacking judgment and responsibility in managing taxpayer dollars.
This is not the first time Noem has been criticized for her lavish spending. ProPublica reported last month on how FEMA resources were delayed due to bureaucratic purgatory until one of her wealthy supporters intervened. Additionally, The Washington Post revealed that Noem was living for free in a military home typically reserved for top Coast Guard officials.
The purchase of the private jets is part of a long list of controversies surrounding Noem's tenure as governor and DHS secretary. She had previously used taxpayer money to remodel the governor's mansion and then had South Dakota taxpayers cover the costs of her pre-election travel, including a six-day trip to Paris.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the secretary will respond to the lawmakers' request for information on where the money came from. However, one thing is certain – the Democratic Party will continue to scrutinize Noem's spending habits and leadership priorities as they pertain to taxpayer dollars.
If DHS Secretary Kristi Noem really needs two private jets, shouldn't she be flying commercial or maybe even carpooling with other officials? 
It's like, what's next? A personal Boeing for the President too? 
And $172 million is just crazy talk! What could've been spent on actual disaster relief instead... 
Anyway, I'm sure this will get all sorted out eventually... but till then, it's hard not to wonder if Noem's just trying to make her own 'jet' set list 
. And don't even get me started on the governor mansion renovation - that's just another example of her questionable spending habits 
. I'm just waiting to see how she'll respond to this one... maybe a fancy press conference with some PR spin? 
What's up with DHS buying 2 private jets? That's like taking millions of $$ spent on programs that actually help ppl in need 
. This is all about accountability and transparency, especially when it comes to taxpayer dollars 
.
, $172 million for private jets? Are we kidding ourselves here? At a time when our coast guards are struggling to reach disaster zones due to red tape, we're investing in Kristi Noem's personal comfort? Not buying it 
. And what's with the lack of transparency? I'm not saying she's trying to scam us or anything, but come on, someone needs to hold her accountable for this kind of reckless spending 
. This is just another example of why we need better oversight in government 
. And btw, has anyone checked how many miles these jets are going to be flying? I'm guessing it's gonna be a whole lot 
.
What's next? A new yacht for the Secretary of Defense? 
This whole thing just reeks of corruption and cronyism. And don't even get me started on the fact that she had to have her approval on every spending decision over $100,000... sounds like a recipe for disaster to me 
. And what's with all these delays in FEMA resources? Is it really too much to ask for some transparency and accountability in government? 
DHS has more pressing issues like keeping the country safe, but nope, we're splurging on luxury flights for Kristi Noem 
️. I mean, come on, can't she just take a bus or train like everyone else? 
Have you seen the budget for this project? It's huge! 
. And what about all those people who are struggling and need help? Meanwhile, Noem is cruising around in style, living in a military home... 
this isn't right.
Let's get real – if someone else was doing this, they'd be fired ASAP. But because it's Kristi Noem, we just shake our heads and move on 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "personal approval" thing - that's just a fancy way of saying "I do whatever I want, and you deal with it" 
. We need transparency, not tantrums! 
. As a nation, we deserve better from our leaders – more integrity, less cronyism, and a whole lot more transparency! 
. Can you imagine having that kind of money to play with? It's like she's trying to outdo the rich folks or something 
. I'm not saying she's the worst, but come on... can't we trust our government officials to make some smart decisions? 
At least she's being upfront about her spending habits, that's more than I can say for some politicians 
.
. I'm not sure what Noem is going to say next but it's gonna be interesting to watch the drama unfold