Outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly allowed first lady Melania Trump to use one of the Department of Homeland Security’s luxury jets for what one official described as an “insurance policy” against criticism over taxpayer-funded travel.
As first reported by Axios, Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski – who have faced rumors of a personal relationship – allowed the first lady to use a Boeing jet leased by DHS to protect her from backlash over her use of taxpayer dollars.
The aircraft includes a queen-sized bed, a bar, and multiple flat-screen televisions, NBC News previously reported.
Melania Trump reportedly used the jet on several trips between Washington, D.C., and New York, according to an administration official familiar with the matter.
“Noem and Lewandowski had an ulterior motive when allowing Melania to use the jet,” The Independent reported Friday.
“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,” the official said, according to The Independent. "The official called the move an ‘insurance policy’ for their spending.”
The Department of Homeland Security has faced criticism over its use of pricey planes. The agency previously purchased two Gulfstream jets for senior officials for $172 million, according to reporting from the New York Times.
Neither DHS nor the first lady’s office responded to requests for comment from media outlets.