Dem
47
GOP
53
Rather than killing the purchase of Kristi Noem's flying bedroom that DHS had been leasing, the administration is going ahead and buying the plane. Maybe Donald Trump and Melania want to enjoy some time together away from paparazzi—who knows? In any event, the purchase will go through and the White House has said Melania Trump will have access to the plane.
Officials at ICE were surprised at the decision. They had expected that with Noem and Corey Lewandowski gone, there would be no need to spend $70 million on a luxury aircraft that will clearly not be used to deport anyone. Unless, of course, Trump decides to deport Melania, who worked illegally as a model after she came to the U.S. and before she had legal permission to do so.
Outside groups that are pushing for more deportations are unhappy. R.J. Hauman, director of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement, said: "Wasting tens of millions of dollars on a luxury jet that won't remove a single illegal alien is offensive." Of course, the plane is not nearly as nice as the $400 million 747 the Qataris gave Trump for Air Force One. Still the decision to purchase it as a plaything for Melania and ? is very corrupt. Where are the DOGEys when you need them? (V)