Senate Democrats are trying to force a vote in response to reports that President Trump will accept a luxury jet from Qatar that will be retrofitted as the next Air Force One.
Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are pushing a measure that would target the gift, which is valued at $400 million, over questions about foreign influence and national security.
“The Constitution is clear: elected officials, like the president, cannot accept large gifts from foreign governments without consent from Congress. Air Force One is more than just a plane — it’s a symbol of the presidency and of the United States itself,” the ” the quartet said in a statement., arguing that it “creates a clear conflict of interest and undermines public trust in our government” on top of influence and national security issues.
“No one — not even the president — is above the law,” they said. “This week, we will ask the Senate to vote to reiterate a basic principle: no one should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts.”
Schatz, who is running to become the No. 2 Senate Democrat, also wrote on X that one does not “need a law degree” to realize the gift is “wildly corrupt.”
News of the Qatari plane comes as Trump travels to the Middle East, including stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where he is set to announce arms deals.
Murphy also is expected to try to force votes on both of those efforts.
“Congress should have a full debate over selling weapons to countries that are participating in the corruption of our government,” Murphy told Punchbowl News.
Trump has for years been searching for a new plane to use as Air Force One. Boeing has been contracted to create two new planes for that purpose, but the work has been held up by delays and budget overruns.
The current aircrafts used as Air Force One are 30 years old and are expensive and difficult to maintain.
Trump on Monday defended accepting the gift, telling reporters before his Middle East trip that it would be “stupid” not to do so. The plane would then be donated to Trump’s presidential library after his term is up.
“I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much,” Mr. Trump said. “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’ But it was — I thought it was a great gesture.”
