Kristi Noem demands NYT retract $464M jet contract report

A full retraction of recent investigative reporting has been demanded by Kristi Noem, the former Department of Homeland Security secretary. The dispute centers on allegations regarding multimillion-dollar aircraft deals finalized near the end of her tenure.

The aircraft purchase details

According to The New York Times, Noem approved no-competition contracts for five luxury jets from Daedalus Aviation Corporation during her final days at the department. This Virginia-based firm, chaired by William Walters, a donor supportive of Donald Trump, had not previously secured government work.

Financial records cited in the report indicate DHS paid $108 million for a Boeing 737 Max 8 that Daedalus had acquired for $90 million months prior. Two additional smaller luxury jets were purchased for $106 million, despite having cost the vendor $83 million. Experts told the newspaper that two other 20-year-old Boeing 737s were bought for $45 million each, a price significantly above market value.

Political and financial connections

Walters contributed $10,000 to a super PAC linked to Noem during the 2024 presidential election cycle. He also provided funds to the America First Policy Institute, an organization aligned with Trump’s agenda. Furthermore, the sister nonprofit of the super PAC paid Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s chief adviser, more than $265,000 for consulting services.

Response to the allegations

Noem rejected the narrative on social media platforms, labeling the coverage “factually incorrect.” She asserted that the article “unfairly prejudices readers and creates an inference of impropriety that is not supported by the underlying facts.” Additionally, she stated that journalists were given “numerous” clarifications prior to publication.

Total payments to Daedalus amounted to approximately $464 million. Mullin, who succeeded Noem as DHS secretary, distanced the agency from these transactions. The department noted that the contracts were executed and approved by leadership before his appointment.