Senate GOP weighs safety, legal concerns over Trump Qatar jet gift [View all]
Source: The Hill
05/12/25 7:12 PM ET
Senate Republicans on Monday indicated they have multiple concerns with President Trump potentially being gifted a new luxury jet from Qatar, ranging from safety to legal and ethical worries. Trump on Monday defended his potential acceptance of a new Boeing 747-8 airplane from the government of Qatar to serve as a replacement for the current pair of Air Force One aircraft, saying that it would be “stupid” not to do so.
But Senate Republicans made clear they are uneasy about the potential arrangement for a multitude of reasons, including over Qatar’s alliances in the region. “I’m not flying on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), an ardent Trump supporter. “I don’t know how you make it safe.” “‘Gosh, let me give you a plane.’ I mean, that seems pretty nice, but they support Hamas, so I don’t know.
I don’t know how you make it safe,” Scott continued, declining to say what Trump should do as the decision is up to him. “I don’t want the president of the United States flying on an unsafe plane.” Some Republicans also seemed worried about the president flying on an aircraft that was purchased by another nation-state. “It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). “That would be ideal.”
The move comes amid ongoing delays and budget overruns at Boeing, which has been contracted to build two new jets to serve as Air Force One. The Qatari jet, valued at roughly $400 million, would be transferred to Trump’s presidential library following his term, the president said. While Republicans were not quick to criticize, they indicated they have broad concerns.
Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5296559-trump-qatar-jet-senate-gop/
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