Murphy, Schatz, Coons, Booker Joint Statement On Qatar Luxury Jet Gift To Trump

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), all members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday released the following joint statement on reports that President Trump will accept a luxury jet valued at $400 million from the royal family of Qatar. According to reports, Trump intends to designate the plane as Air Force One while in office and then transfer it to a foundation for personal use following the end of his term.

"The Constitution is clear: elected officials, like the president, cannot accept large gifts from foreign governments without consent from Congress.

"Air Force One is more than just a plane - it's a symbol of the presidency and of the United States itself. Any president who accepts this kind of gift, valued at $400 million, from a foreign government creates a clear conflict of interest, raises serious national security questions, invites foreign influence, and undermines public trust in our government. No one - not even the president - is above the law.

"This week, we will ask the Senate to vote to reiterate a basic principle: no one should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts."

Last month, Murphy delivered a floor speech outlining the series of corrupt acts that have defined Trump's second term-including selling White House access for his family's personal profit, using federal agencies to line his own pockets, and systematically dismantling key anti-corruption protections.

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