Recent comments from various Republican lawmakers highlight a growing unease regarding the proposal to accept a Qatari jet as a gift for former President Donald Trump. This move, experts caution, could potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and may take years to finalize. Trump has portrayed the Qatari jet as a patriotic gift, suggesting it could be delivered sooner than Boeing’s delayed replacements for the aging Air Force One aircraft he currently uses.
Senator Roger Wicker emphasized that retrofitting the Qatari jet would be a costly and complex endeavor. Instead of accepting this gift, Wicker urged Boeing to “redouble their efforts” in producing the new Air Force One. He pointed out that essential upgrades, including communication devices, safety features, and various listening devices, must adhere to strict American standards, thereby complicating the retrofitting process.
Trump has indicated his intention to transfer the Qatari jet to his presidential library as a museum piece after leaving office. However, this idea has met with bipartisan objections. Wicker stated, “If the Qataris want to make a gift to the United States, then it would be a lot more proper for that gift to be made to the government of the United States — to be used by Mr. Trump and his successor — and not given to the library.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, along with several other Republican lawmakers, has expressed concerns about the ethical implications and security risks associated with accepting such a lavish gift from a foreign government. Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) have all echoed these sentiments, reflecting a significant level of unease within the Republican Party.
On the Democratic side, a coalition of Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, is urging the Department of Defense Inspector General to investigate what they describe as an unconstitutional foreign gift to Trump. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the plan, contending that the jet wouldn’t be ready for Trump’s use until nearly the end of his term. “If the Qataris want to make a gift, it should be a gift to the United States — not to one individual, and certainly not something routed through the Pentagon for personal use,” Reed stated.
Reed indicated that Democrats are not dismissing the possibility of a legislative response if the administration proceeds with the Qatari jet plan. He expressed hope for bipartisan support from Republicans on this issue, stating, “We have options.”
While the topic of the Qatari jet was not mentioned during President Trump’s recent visit to Qatar, diplomatic engagements continued. The Trump administration announced several defense sales deals that were already in progress, including a notable $1 billion agreement between Raytheon and Qatar for an anti-drone system, initially agreed upon during the Biden administration. Additionally, a $2 billion agreement from March between General Atomics and Qatar for surveillance drones was highlighted.
Furthermore, the Trump administration unveiled another $142 billion in potential arms deals with Saudi Arabia to purchase U.S. weapons and military equipment. An administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that most of the arms package remains aspirational, indicating ongoing negotiations.
