Kristi Noem has demanded The New York Times retract or correct an exposé alleging DHS paid inflated prices to a company linked to a political contributor on her final day as secretary. The Times reported DHS bought five aircraft from Daedalus Aviation—including a converted Boeing 737 for about $108 million that the company had acquired months earlier for under $90 million—and noted a $10,000 contribution tied to Daedalus chairman William Walters. Noem called the piece "factually incorrect" and "libelous," while not disputing the reported contract prices.
Kristi Noem Demands Retraction After NYT Exposé on DHS Plane Purchases Linked to Donor
AP Photo/Ronda Churchill
Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has formally demanded that The New York Times retract or correct an article alleging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) paid inflated prices to a company tied to a political contributor on her final day in office.
The Times reported that, as Noem was preparing to depart DHS, the agency approved purchases of five aircraft from Daedalus Aviation Corporation. The package reportedly included a converted Boeing 737—said to feature a stand-up bar, two bedrooms, marble showers and a table surfaced with manta ray skin—that DHS paid about $108 million for despite Daedalus having acquired the same jet months earlier for less than $90 million.
In addition to the converted 737, the Times said DHS purchased two Gulfstream business jets and two Boeing 737 passenger planes from Daedalus at substantial markups. The story linked Daedalus chairman William Walters to a $10,000 contribution to Noem's political action committee, American Resolve, in 2024; Daedalus has said Mr. Walters did not know the PAC was associated with Noem at the time. An archived snapshot of the PAC's homepage reportedly showed prominent promotion of Noem.
Noem's Response
In a letter to The New York Times, Noem called the reporting "factually incorrect" and "libelous," demanding either a full retraction or an explicit correction. She argued that labeling the individual as a "donor" was "materially misleading" and could create an unwarranted inference of wrongdoing if the characterization was inaccurate.
Notably, Noem's objections, as reported, did not dispute the story's description of the contracts themselves or the prices DHS paid.
Broader Context
The Times report also noted that more than $900 million in DHS contracts went to companies led by Walters. The article said Noem was removed from her DHS role in March amid disputes over immigration policies and questions about contract awards. Her successor, Senator Markwayne Mullin, reportedly considered withdrawing from the airplane purchase and consulted with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who shared concerns about potential financial ramifications; despite those consultations, the procurement proceeded.
What We Know
- DHS approved purchases of five aircraft from Daedalus Aviation while Noem was leaving the agency.
- A converted Boeing 737 was reported purchased for roughly $108 million; Daedalus had bought it months earlier for under $90 million.
- Daedalus chairman William Walters is tied to a $10,000 contribution to Noem's PAC; the company has disputed the characterization of that link.
- Noem has demanded a retraction or correction but did not challenge the reporting on contract prices, according to the Times.
Source: Reporting by The New York Times; original post appeared on Mediaite.
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