February 23, 2026 at 06:06AM
Top Noem aide entered cockpit before firing pilot over missing blanket, sources say
A top aide to the homeland security chief entered the cockpit of a government jet uninvited during a flight last year. The incident occurred after tensions over a misplaced blanket.
Following the intrusion, the aide fired the pilot involved in the confrontation, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The investigation into the episode is continuing, with officials reviewing the actions and assessing safety and protocol violations.