Kristi Noem Donor Gets Contract

The Department of Homeland Security agreed in Kristi Noem’s final hours as secretary to buy five aircraft from Daedalus Aviation Corporation, chaired by pro-Trump donor William Walters. Incoming secretary Markwayne Mullin considered canceling the purchase, but he feared penalties; White House chief of staff Susie Wiles shared that concern and advised against blocking it. Walters gave $10,000 to American Resolve, a PAC supporting Noem; Daedalus said he did not know the group was tied to her. The planes were bought for deportation flights but have largely sat idle because DHS lacked crews. Noem demanded a retraction, while DHS said leaders approved the contract before Mullin took office.