Sen. Peters Presses DHS Secretary Mullin on Luxury Jet Trips and Oversight of $260 Billion

The top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is demanding answers from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about what he calls wasteful spending and a lack of oversight of more than $260 billion Congress gave the department.

What the Letter Says About DHS Spending

In a letter dated Oct. 14 and released by his office Monday, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) wrote that the money, $191 billion under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and $69.5 billion under the Secure America Act, is "roughly three times" what DHS previously received in a year. It must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2029.

"While the Trump Administration has claimed it is committed to maximizing government efficiency and reducing waste and abuse, current DHS spending and its lack of planning for any meaningful oversight of that spending raises questions about the sincerity of this commitment," Peters wrote.

The letter says Customs and Border Protection had awarded all of its border wall construction projects under the law as of June, even though the government owns or has access to less than half of the 700 miles where the wall is planned. CBP will owe contractors penalties if it cannot provide the land within a year, according to the letter. Peters also cited a GAO report finding that ICE spent at least $20.5 million on warehouses it later decided to sell, and $7.1 million on food it did not need at one facility.

The Gulfstream Jet and TV Ads

Citing news reports, Peters wrote that Mullin is "continuing to use a Gulfstream G700 luxury jet for various trips, including trips back home to Oklahoma," and recently authorized the purchase of 12 new planes, including five "extravagant new luxury jets." He also pointed to reporting that DHS money paid for television ads featuring President Trump, which he said was "most likely in violation of federal law."

What Peters Wants From Mullin

Peters asked DHS to commit to not obstructing its inspector general and to explain how it is following contracting law, including on no-bid contracts, and why it signed border wall contracts for land it cannot access. "This Republican-controlled Congress has shown no appetite to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities," he wrote. The letter sets no deadline for a reply.

TDFP has asked the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Sources: Sen. Gary Peters press release (Oct. 19, 2026): https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-demands-answers-on-wasteful-spending-lack-of-oversight-of-260-billion-in-dhs-funding ; Letter from Ranking Member Peters to Secretary Mullin (Oct. 14, 2026, PDF): https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/101426-Letter-from-RM-Peters-to-Secretary-of-DHS_OBBA-Spending.pdf