The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee is demanding information from a company allegedly involved in the sale of a $70 million luxury jet to the Department of Homeland Security, which is now used by First Lady Melania Trump. Rep. Robert Garcia sent a letter to Fertitta Enterprises Inc. on Thursday, requesting copies of contracts and internal communications the company had with former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, after plane records indicated the company once owned the aircraft.
Ongoing Investigation into DHS Purchases
Lawmakers have been scrutinising DHS’s acquisition of the luxury Boeing 737 Max jet, outfitted with a bedroom, bar, flat-screen TVs and other amenities, as part of a broader inquiry into purchases made while Noem and her de facto chief of staff Corey Lewandowski led the department. Immigration enforcement officials initially claimed the plane would be used for deportations, but department officials later told the Wall Street Journal it would be available to Cabinet members and other high-ranking officials, including the First Lady.
Fertitta Enterprises and Trump Ties
Fertitta Enterprises Inc. appears to be a company affiliated with billionaire businessman Tillman Fertitta, the current Ambassador to Italy. He has donated thousands of dollars to President Donald Trump and Trump-affiliated PACs. The company did not sell the jet directly to DHS; instead, it sold the aircraft for an undisclosed amount to Valkyrie Aviation, a firm linked to William Walters, whom Garcia describes as a “pro-Noem donor” who secured a separate lucrative contract under Noem.
Garcia has already requested information from Walters but is now asking Fertitta Enterprises to reveal the sale price to Valkyrie Aviation and whether any member of the company or a related entity received anything of value or favourable treatment from Lewandowski.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are reviewing “potential corruption, self-dealing, and mismanagement” at DHS under Noem and Lewandowski. Lewandowski has been accused of soliciting payments in exchange for helping companies secure contracts. His lawyer has stated that his client “adamantly denies ever demanding any payment or compensation from any potential, former, or current government contractor” and played “no role” in reviewing or approving contracts.
Garcia is requesting Fertitta Enterprises respond to his questions and provide the requested information by June 4. The Independent has sought comment from the DHS, the White House, and a representative for Fertitta.
