DHS Faces Scrutiny Over $464M No-Bid Contract for Idle Airplanes

The Department of Homeland Security is facing scrutiny over a $464 million no-bid contract for a fleet of 10 used airplanes that have largely sat idle, sparking a blame game between current and former agency leaders and prompting calls for a congressional investigation. The deal, awarded to Daedalus Aviation Corporation, has drawn criticism for its cost, the limited use of the aircraft, and the administration's reliance on urgency exemptions to bypass standard contracting procedures.

According to reports, the contract was initiated in late 2025 under then-Secretary Kristi Noem. However, the agreement was finalized and its value increased by approximately $303 million on the day Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the new secretary in March 2026. In separate statements, both DHS and a spokesperson for Noem have placed responsibility for the contract on the other. DHS stated the deal was "made and approved by department leadership before Secretary Mullin was sworn in," while Noem's spokesperson claimed it was "finalized" under Mullin's leadership.

The fleet consists of seven Boeing 737 passenger jets and three luxury business jets. The Boeing jets have been parked at an airport in...