WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Chris Murphy (D-CT), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 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.”