DHS Cites a Criminal Probe to Withhold Records on Noem's $464 Million Jet Deal, Then Calls That 'an Error'

Responding to an Oct. 14, 2026, records request from the Washington Sun, DHS's Privacy Office said it could neither confirm nor deny records on the department's purchase of five aircraft from Daedalus Aviation Corporation, made on then-Secretary Kristi Noem's last day in office, because they were tied to "an ongoing criminal law enforcement investigation." Hours after the response was reported, DHS said it had been "sent in error" and that the request remained "under review."

DHS, the FBI and the White House did not say what any investigation covers or confirm that any individual is a target. Noem has disputed reporting that Daedalus, whose chairman donated to a pro-Noem super PAC, sold the planes at a markup. Whether a criminal inquiry actually exists remains unconfirmed.