Reynolds Defends Use of Iowa State Patrol Plane Amid Criticism

Reynolds: airplane purchased with COVID-19 funds was appropriate

Gov. Kim Reynolds said she believes her use of an Iowa State Patrol airplane purchased using COVID-19 relief funds to travel for official events was appropriate, she said during a news conference Thursday.

Iowa governor says she's using state owned planes for official business

Governor Kim Reynolds says using Iowa State Patrol airplanes on official travel helps her get more done, more quickly. “I travel the state extensively and I have a family and we work weekends, “Reynolds said. “…We try to get out and attend as many things as we can.” Earlier this week the Des Moines Register […]

Iowa Democrats Question Reynolds Over ARPA-Funded Plane

Des Moines, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday that her use of an Iowa State Patrol airplane purchased with federal COVID-19 relief funds was strictly for official purposes and appropriate under state law. The Des Moines Register reported that State Patrol pilots flew a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to Sioux City and Waterloo before Reynolds attended public events. The aircraft was purchased in December 2024 using funds from the 2021 American Re…

Reynolds defends Iowa State Patrol plane purchase, says she uses it only for official trips

Governor Kim Reynolds said using one time COVID relief funds to purchase the Iowa State Patrol airplane, that she also uses to travel around Iowa, was the right

Reynolds defends use of Iowa State Patrol plane amid criticism

Gov. Kim Reynolds says she uses a state patrol plane only for official business, as Democratic leaders question the cost and purpose of the aircraft.

Gov. Kim Reynolds says she only flew for 'official use' in State Patrol plane

Gov. Kim Reynolds answered questions from reporters Feb. 26, 2026 on the use of a state-owned plane purchased using COVID-19 relief funds. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Gov. Kim Reynolds said she believes her use of an Iowa State Patrol airplane purchased using COVID-19 relief funds to travel for official events was appropriate, she said during a news conference Thursday. The Des Moines Register reported that State Patrol pilots …