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- Kristi Noem’s latest unhinged DHS demand includes tailored suits (irishstar.com)
Taxpayer Dollars to Fund New Suits for Secret Service Agents, Sparking Debate Over DHS Spending
American taxpayers will soon be footing the bill for a fresh set of tailored suits for members of the U.S. Secret Service, a move reportedly prompted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s dissatisfaction with a protective detail’s attire. This initiative, outlined in a recent public contract solicitation, has ignited further discussion regarding the Secretary’s financial priorities and the use of federal funds.
While DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the decision is not about “optics,” but rather “fixing an inequity” where non-uniformed agents pay for their attire while uniformed divisions do not, critics are questioning the timing and necessity of such a purchase. This comes on the heels of previous expenditures under Secretary Noem that have drawn scrutiny.
In October, Noem faced significant backlash from Democratic leaders for the acquisition of two $172 million jets for official travel, an action they characterized as a “continuing trend of self-aggrandizement.” The current suit initiative specifies two custom-tailored suits per agent, made of a wool or polyester blend in navy blue, featuring double vents, flat front trousers, and an embroidered name on the inside of the jacket.
A source familiar with the matter suggested that offering new suits could serve as a recruitment incentive, particularly as the department operates unfunded during the ongoing government shutdown. Currently, many Secret Service agents, like the majority of DHS employees, are working without pay, as they are considered essential personnel.
The previous jet purchase, signed by the U.S. Coast Guard under Noem during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, involved acquiring two G700 jets from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. While the Coast Guard stated these planes would replace aging aircraft experiencing maintenance issues, some Democrats argued that the luxury jets’ cost was inconsistent with DHS’s stated funding requests.
In a letter to Secretary Noem, House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro and Representative Lauren Underwood expressed deep concern, stating, “This contract award directly contradicts the acquisition strategy and operational needs for the USCG’s Long Range Command and Control Aircraft (LRCCA) fleet, as outlined by your Department to the Committee in May and again in September.” They further criticized what they perceived as a pattern of prioritizing personal comfort over the needs of USCG service members.
The letter highlighted several instances, including Noem’s choice to live rent-free in the Commandant’s quarters and her frequent appearances at ongoing operations, which reportedly divert resources for her security. “It appears you are routinely prioritizing yourself and those closest to you over the needs of the USCG service members who protect this nation,” the letter asserted, concluding with a strong condemnation of Noem’s judgment, leadership priorities, and stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
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