A leading Democrat from the House Judiciary Committee has cautioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegses that he could be held responsible for potentially huge sums—hundreds of millions—after accepting an impressive jet from the government of Qatar.
In a letter sent on Wednesday, Representative Jamie Ruskin (D-Md.) asserted that Hegses had officially accepted the Boeing 747 jet last month. This decision also enabled the Air Force to enhance its security protocols and utilize the aircraft. Federal regulations prohibit the acceptance of financial benefits from foreign governments without prior consent from Congress.
Ruskin requested that Hegses promptly seek Congressional approval to either return the plane to the Qatari government or formally accept it, noting this was essential to address violations and mitigate any personal liability.
On May 21, the Pentagon confirmed it had accepted the luxury jet, which had previously been used by the Qatari royal family, described as a “free” gift meant to modernize an aging Air Force fleet, as per President Trump’s statements.
This decision has sparked criticism among lawmakers from both parties, who have raised concerns about ethics and corruption. They argue it could end up costing taxpayers hundreds of millions while transforming the aircraft into a secure operational utility for the Air Force.
Some have underscored national security issues, claiming that aircraft gifts should be thoroughly checked for potential listening devices. With Trump advocating for the aircraft’s use before officially taking office, the Air Force is apprehensive about hasty upgrades and possibly compromising security measures.
Ruskin, a former constitutional law professor and past ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, has directed his criticisms toward the ethical implications of accepting the plane from Qatar, emphasizing that legislative approval is critical.
“The Constitution is crystal clear. No gifts from foreign nations can exist without Congressional permission,” Ruskin wrote last month after the announcement of the gift.
While the Constitution grants Congress the ability to restrict federal acceptance of foreign gifts, no official vote has taken place regarding the acceptance of the jet.
Democrats have struggled to block Trump’s acceptance of the jets from Qatar. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) attempted to pass legislation last month to prohibit the use of foreign jets as Air Force One, but his efforts fell short.
Ruskin, alongside other Democrats, introduced a resolution condemning the gift, but Republicans prevented it from being brought to the floor for consideration.
Being in a minority position complicates matters for Democrats, as they cannot convene a supervisory hearing that would compel government officials to testify about the situation, and colleagues across the aisle also haven’t pursued such a hearing.
In his letter, Ruskin points out that Hegses is in violation of laws regarding foreign gifts and decorations.
According to these laws, government officials can accept specific gifts valued up to $480 but cannot “request or encourage offers for gifts or decorations” from foreign entities.
If found in violation, Hegses could face a penalty “not exceeding $5,000 to prevent it from exceeding the retail value of improperly solicited or received gifts.”
“In simpler terms, even if it’s a jumbo jet accepted on the president’s behalf, you could still be liable for $400 million (plus the $5,000),” Ruskin stated, referencing the costs associated with the new Boeing 747-8.
“If you genuinely believe that the president won’t find it troubling to receive a $400 million ‘flying palace’ from a foreign government, then you ought to get Congress and his Republican allies to approve the transaction,” he added. “If that’s not your wish, then you must return the aircraft to Qatar.”
