Democrats Block $1.9B Arms Deal with Qatar to Protest Trump’s $400M “Jet Bribe”
QUOTE:“Accepting a foreign jet of such value from a nation that backs Hamas violates fundamental U.S. foreign policy principles,” said Dr. Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace. “It’s not only unusual—it poses significant national security risks.”
CALITODAY (May 15, 2025) – During his visit to Qatar, President Donald Trump is facing intense backlash from both parties over his acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family.
The aircraft is intended to replace Air Force One and later be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library.
Democratic senators immediately responded by blocking a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar, calling Trump’s move unconstitutional and a potential national security threat.
“This isn’t a gift of goodwill – it’s an illegal bribe,” said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). “Unless Qatar rescinds the offer or Trump rejects it, we will take steps to stop this deal.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a moderate Republican, also voiced concerns:
“This deal is riddled with espionage, ethical, and constitutional risks. A sitting president accepting a foreign aircraft is unprecedented and alarming.”
Concerns include the potential for embedded surveillance devices and the cost of upgrading the plane to meet U.S. security standards—potentially over $1 billion. Though Trump claims the aircraft will be managed by the Department of Defense and later donated to his library, many lawmakers remain skeptical.
“No one gives someone a $400 million jet without expecting something in return,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted on X. “Let’s get serious.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced a freeze on all DOJ nominations to protest the gift. Nine other senators called on the Pentagon to investigate possible counterintelligence threats related to the transaction.
Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) stated on CNBC:
“This gift presents serious threats of espionage and surveillance.”
In Doha, Trump further stirred controversy by proposing to “turn Gaza into a free zone under U.S. control.”
“I would be proud if the U.S. took over Gaza and made it a free zone,” Trump said.
The idea has drawn sharp opposition from the Palestinian Authority and key Arab allies like Saudi Arabia—especially as Qatar continues to broker ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
HANH DUONG
CALITODAY (May 15, 2025) – During his visit to Qatar, President Donald Trump is facing intense backlash from both parties over his acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family.
The aircraft is intended to replace Air Force One and later be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library.
Democratic senators immediately responded by blocking a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar, calling Trump’s move unconstitutional and a potential national security threat.
“This isn’t a gift of goodwill – it’s an illegal bribe,” said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). “Unless Qatar rescinds the offer or Trump rejects it, we will take steps to stop this deal.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a moderate Republican, also voiced concerns:
“This deal is riddled with espionage, ethical, and constitutional risks. A sitting president accepting a foreign aircraft is unprecedented and alarming.”
Concerns include the potential for embedded surveillance devices and the cost of upgrading the plane to meet U.S. security standards—potentially over $1 billion. Though Trump claims the aircraft will be managed by the Department of Defense and later donated to his library, many lawmakers remain skeptical.
“No one gives someone a $400 million jet without expecting something in return,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted on X. “Let’s get serious.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced a freeze on all DOJ nominations to protest the gift. Nine other senators called on the Pentagon to investigate possible counterintelligence threats related to the transaction.
Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) stated on CNBC:
“This gift presents serious threats of espionage and surveillance.”
In Doha, Trump further stirred controversy by proposing to “turn Gaza into a free zone under U.S. control.”
“I would be proud if the U.S. took over Gaza and made it a free zone,” Trump said.
The idea has drawn sharp opposition from the Palestinian Authority and key Arab allies like Saudi Arabia—especially as Qatar continues to broker ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
HANH DUONG
.jpeg)
Comments[ 0 ]
Post a Comment