How the ice finally broke under Kristi Noem

"They're smart. Corey is really smart. I don't take that away from them. Because they flew the first lady on it, they think they're bulletproof. An administration official characterized the move to involve the first lady as an "insurance policy" for the spending, suggesting strategic maneuvering to shield controversial aircraft expenditures from scrutiny."

"Planned cost for the three planes: More than $270 million, making it "the world's worst deal to buy an aircraft," an administration official told Axios on Saturday. The luxury aircraft acquisition, funded through deportation resources, represents unprecedented spending for executive air travel purposes."

"During those public sessions, Noem was subject to bipartisan probing about alleged mismanagement of DHS, her self-promotion at huge taxpayer expense and even a rumored extramarital affair with her de facto chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski. Under oath, Noem refused to deny an affair."

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's position has deteriorated significantly following bipartisan congressional scrutiny regarding alleged mismanagement, self-promotion at taxpayer expense, and personal misconduct. Central to the controversy is a $270 million aircraft acquisition plan using deportation funds, including two Gulfstream jets and a luxurious Boeing Business Jet 737 with bedroom and bar amenities unsuitable for deportation operations. Noem and her de facto chief of staff Corey Lewandowski lent the 737 to First Lady Melania Trump, which administration officials characterize as an "insurance policy" against scrutiny. Under oath, Noem refused to deny rumors of an affair with Lewandowski. President Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with both officials this week, signaling potential personnel changes.

Read at Axios