DHS Reportedly Fired a Pilot for Forgetting Kristi Noem’s Blanket on a Plane

Rolling Stone

by Charisma Madarang

February 14, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard reportedly fired a pilot over a seemingly trivial incident involving a forgotten blanket belonging to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Wall Street Journal detailed how the pilot was let go after Noem’s blanket was left behind during a plane switch due to maintenance issues. However, the pilot was quickly reinstated when it became clear that no other qualified pilot was available to fly Noem back. This incident highlights the broader chaos and high turnover within DHS leadership under Noem and her close adviser Corey Lewandowski, who have reportedly fired or demoted nearly 80% of career ICE field leaders since their arrival. The story underscores the ongoing turmoil at DHS, includingNoem’s alleged rivalry with Trump-appointed border czar Tom Homan. Sources suggest that Noem and Lewandowski are focused on reshaping DHS leadership to align with their vision, often at the expense of experienced career employees. The article also points to public backlash over Noem’s handling of controversial immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, including the fatal shooting of a nurse and a poet by federal agents. Despite this, Noem initially claimed the nurse had committed an act of domestic terrorism before his death. The WSJ report reveals that Noem and Lewandowski are also engaged in a public relations effort to rehabilitate their image following these incidents. This includes managing their media appearances to ensure they receive more attention than Homan, whom Noem reportedly criticized for appearing on TV without her approval. Their close relationship has reportedly caused discomfort among the president and his top advisers, though both have denied any romantic involvement. The firing of the Coast Guard pilot over a forgotten blanket serves as a microcosm of the broader issues at DHS under Noem’s leadership—highlighting a culture of micromanagement, high turnover, and

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/14/2026