US Senate minority leader demands investigation into $172M DHS jet purchases for Secretary Noem

"I’m demanding the GAO do a full investigation as to what the hell is the justification for buying these jets," Schumer said in a video message, formally requesting the Government Accountability Office to examine the purchases.

His remarks came after the New York Times reported Saturday that the department purchased two Gulfstream private jets for Noem and other top department officials at a cost of $172 million.

Earlier, speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer rejected an explanation by the Trump administration, which said the G700 aircraft were purchased for "safety reasons."

"Let’s be very clear: at a time that Americans are paying more for groceries, falling behind on car payments and seeing their electricity (bills) go up and up and up, Secretary Noem thinks it’s a good use of taxpayer dollars to buy two jets known for having 'the most spacious cabin in the industry,’" Schumer said.

Separately, House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro and Homeland Security Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Lauren Underwood on Saturday requested more information from Noem regarding the purchases.