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2w ago

Trump Faces Bipartisan Backlash Over $400M Jet Gift From Qatar

The administration defends the arrangement as lawful and cost-saving, but critics raise constitutional, security, and ethical concerns.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters following the weekly Democrat Senate policy luncheon at the US Capitol on May 6 in Washington, DC.
In this Feb. 15 photo, a Qatari Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac of Palm Beach International airport after US President Donald Trump toured the aircraft.
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Overview

  • The Trump administration is considering accepting a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One, later transferring it to Trump’s presidential library.
  • Critics argue the move could violate the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits foreign gifts without Congressional approval.
  • Prominent MAGA figures, including Laura Loomer and Ben Shapiro, have condemned the decision, calling it unethical and inconsistent with 'America First' values.
  • Senators from both parties have raised concerns about espionage risks and the optics of accepting such a gift from Qatar, a country with controversial ties in the Middle East.
  • The White House defends the gift as a practical solution to Boeing’s production delays on the new Air Force One fleet, but a Senate hold on DOJ nominees signals mounting political consequences.