Overview
- White House officials will retain the Boeing 737 Max 8 leased under former DHS chief Kristi Noem, with The Wall Street Journal reporting the move Tuesday.
- The plane will be assigned for travel by select cabinet secretaries and the Office of the First Lady, with a DHS spokesperson saying it supports secure command and control needs.
- ICE bought the aircraft before new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin was confirmed, and control is shifting from DHS to the White House for senior official travel.
- Officials defend the cost by saying the jet flies about 40% cheaper than military planes on long routes, even as critics question the expense and purpose.
- The jet drew scrutiny for a luxury interior with a queen bed, showers, a kitchen, four large TVs, and a bar, after paperwork initially described it for “high‑profile deportations,” prompting oversight and bipartisan criticism.