Senator Hagerty joined Senate Republicans in approving a plan that could let Trump keep the Qatari jet when he leaves office. The jet, estimated at $400 million, was gifted by Qatar to the U.S. Defense Department. That raises serious emoluments and ethics concerns.
Senate Democratic leaders said, “No, Donald Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar.”
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-coons-lead-group-of-27-senators-in-introducing-resolution-to-condemn-400-million-airplane-gift-to-trump-from-qatar
The Pentagon stated it accepted the jet and is planning up to $400 million in retrofits for it to function as Air Force One.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/25/air-force-one-qatar-trump/
The jet deal bypasses Congress’s Foreign Emoluments Clause. That law requires congressional consent for foreign gifts to a president.
• Qatar gifted the $400 million Boeing 747-8 to the U.S. Defense Department
• Pentagon plans up to $400 million in renovations
• Senate Democrats filed a resolution opposing Trump’s acceptance
Allowing Trump to take the jet seems to turn government property into a personal asset. Many critics view it as corruption over transparency and duty. Some Republican senators raised constitutional concerns even as the deal moved forward.
UPDATE: @SenatorHagerty and the Republicans just voted to let Trump take the Qatari jet with him when he leaves office.
Insane corruption. There is no bottom. pic.twitter.com/sSYrTOgeUd
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) July 31, 2025
