Senate Demands Records on DHS’s $464 Million ‘Ghost’ Jet Fleet Purchase

Senate Democrats led by Richard Blumenthal, Peter Welch and Adam Schiff have issued a formal request to the Department of Homeland Security for all communications with Daedalus Aviation Corporation concerning a $464 million purchase of a luxury Boeing 737, seven older 737s and two Gulfstream jets. The fleet, procured on an urgent no-bid basis to support President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda, has seen minimal use and remains parked at Lake Charles, Louisiana, prompting critics to label it a “ghost” fleet.

The senators also demand flight logs, passenger manifests, and an explanation for awarding the contract to Daedalus, a firm with no previous government contracts and a CEO whose former airline went bankrupt. The controversy has seen former DHS head Kristi Noem and her successor Markwayne Mullin exchange blame, while the department maintains the deal was finalized before Mullin took office and may re-lease two jets to other agencies. Reports note the contract’s value rose by $303 million on the day Mullin assumed his role, and Daedalus chair William Walters III is a Trump donor.