A former White House ethics attorney has stated that President Trump’s intention to accept a Boeing 747-8 from the Qatar government is a “clear” breach of the constitutional emoluments clause.
“Everyone’s getting these $400 million planes from Qatar. They hand them out like candy,” said Norm Eisen, executive director of the legal advocacy group State Democracy Advocates Fund, during an appearance on CNN’s AC360. He noted that Trump had previously faced legal challenges over similar issues, labeling them unconstitutional. Eisen added that even some within Trump’s own party are questioning this move.
Recent reports have confirmed that the Trump administration is indeed looking to accept these lavish jets from the royal family of Qatar. The plane will replace the current three-year-old Air Force One temporarily and will eventually be moved to Trump’s Presidential Library when he leaves office. According to the president, the Department of Defense will be receiving the jets.
Trump commented to reporters that rejecting such a gift is “silly,” referring to it as a “great gesture” from Qatar. “They said, ‘We want to do something.’ If they can provide a 747 as a contribution for our Department of Defense to use for years while building others, I think that’s really nice,” he said.
This situation has sparked some debate. Even reliable supporters of Trump, like conservative commentator Laura Rumer, have expressed concerns, suggesting that this gift could tarnish his legacy. Congressional Democrats have also criticized the decision. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has called for an ethics investigation, while four Senate lawmakers are pushing for a vote to prevent public resources from being used for personal gain through foreign gifts.
Several Senate Republicans expressed reservations about the president accepting gifts from Qatar. “I’m not flying on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas,” remarked Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), voicing safety concerns.
Conversely, some others dismissed the worries. “I’d welcome a $400 million plane myself,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). He added that if Trump is given a plane, it would offset the high costs of maintaining older aircraft, stating, “Boeing, at least they made it [the Qatari] one.”
