Former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary "leaves on a private jet"

According to information from the U.S. side on 7 March, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was dismissed by President Trump in early March, had leased a luxury private jet worth $70 million. The aircraft has since been purchased using funding from the Department of Homeland Security and is now used to carry cabinet officials in the government. This move has been alleged to violate the principle of “earmarking funds for specific purposes.” Written documents show that the jet was intended for travel by cabinet-level officials and for the “repatriation of important persons,” but in reality it was mainly used by Noem and her senior aide, Cory Levandovsky. The aircraft’s specifications are better than those of typical government official jets. Although its level of luxury does not match that of the president’s Air Force One, its onboard facilities are better than those on Vice President Vance’s official jet. An insider said the jet is equipped with an extra-large double bed, four large flat-screen televisions, and also includes its own shower area, kitchen, and bar. (CCTV News)