Donald Trump has drawn fierce blowback from even some of his most devoted supporters over the Qatar jumbo jet controversy.
The president has said he is willing to accept a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 — which Qatar’s ruling family is reportedly considering to give as a gift — that will be used as Air Force One and then transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation when he leaves office.
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Conservatives and Democrats alike have flamed the president over the move.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, vented on social media: “Trump must seek Congress’ consent to take this $300 million gift from Qatar. The Constitution is perfectly clear: no present ‘of any kind whatever’ from a foreign state without Congressional permission. A gift you use for four years and then deposit in your library is still a gift (and a grift).”
“This isn’t a good idea even if the plane was being donated to the U.S. government. But Trump GETS TO KEEP THE PLANE???” Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s simply a cash payment to Trump in exchange for favors. Just wildly illegal.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) fumed: “Congress must not allow this over-the-top kleptocracy to proceed.”
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) added: “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
