Kristi Noem’s Firing: The Trump administration has decided not to walk away from the luxury Boeing 737 Max 8 that became a big political issue during Kristi Noem’s time at the Department of Homeland Security. Even though President Donald Trump removed Noem from the top DHS post on March 5, 2026, the aircraft is still moving ahead under government plans. Recent reporting says the government is now working to buy the jet outright for about $70 million after it was first leased during Noem’s tenure.
The plane is expected to stay in use for important travel inside the administration. Reports say it will be available for some senior Cabinet members and also for the Office of the First Lady. That means Melania Trump is expected to have access to it for secure travel as well. So even after Noem’s firing, the aircraft is not being pushed aside. Instead, it is becoming part of wider high-level government use.
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A DHS spokesperson has defended the aircraft in public reporting by saying it is around 40% cheaper to operate than standard military aircraft for long-range trips and that it provides secure command-and-control capability. That argument is part of why the administration appears willing to keep the plane despite the anger around its cost and appearance.
Why this Aircraft caused so much Heat?
What made the aircraft so controversial was not only the price. It was also the way the inside of the plane looked. Reports say the jet includes a queen-size bed, showers, a kitchen, televisions, lounge seating, and a bar. Some DHS staffers reportedly even called it the “Big, Beautiful Jet.” That image made the criticism much worse because this was not seen as a normal government aircraft by many of its critics.
People who opposed the purchase said the spending looked far too lavish for a department that handles border security, immigration, and emergency response. Some critics argued that money connected to immigration enforcement priorities should not have gone toward such a high-end aircraft. There was also doubt around claims that the plane could be reworked for deportation missions. Public reporting says internal officials and lawmakers were skeptical about that explanation.
Noem’s Firing came after Wider Scandals
Kristi Noem did not lose her job only because of the aircraft issue. Reuters and AP have reported that Trump fired her after months of controversy around her leadership of DHS. That included scrutiny over a $220 million advertising contract, criticism of the administration’s immigration crackdown, and other scandals that kept building around her office.
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Reuters also reported allegations about her relationship with top aide Corey Lewandowski, while AP described broad criticism over her handling of major department matters.
After removing her as homeland security secretary, Trump said he would shift her into a new role tied to the “Shield of the Americas” initiative. AP and Reuters both reported that she was moved into a special envoy role connected to that Western Hemisphere security effort.
