Trump’s Acceptance of $400 Million Qatari Boeing Sparks Backlash Among Republicans

By Staff, Agencies

US President Donald Trump is facing mounting criticism from both Democrats and Republicans over reports that he may accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar, a luxurious aircraft dubbed the “sky palace,” for use as the next Air Force One.

While Trump defended the move, stating it would be “foolish” to reject such a gift, several Republican lawmakers voiced serious concerns about the legality, optics and “national security” implications of accepting such a high-value gift from a foreign monarchy.

According to Axios, the potential donation from the Qatari royal family has raised red flags on Capitol Hill, with critics warning that it may violate constitutional restrictions on gifts from foreign governments.

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt clarified in a statement Monday night that “any gift from a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws,” emphasizing the administration’s “commitment to full transparency.”

Nonetheless, key Republican figures remain uneasy. Senator Rick Scott of Florida, a close Trump ally, stated bluntly: “I won’t fly on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas. I don’t know how to make it safe... I don’t want the President of the United States flying on an unsafe plane,” as quoted by The Hill.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky echoed the sentiment, telling reporters: “I don’t think it looks good or smells good.” In an interview with Fox News, he added: “There’s a provision in the Constitution that says you can’t do that. So the question is, can you do it if it’s only for official purposes? I think it’s not worth looking incorrect. Incorrect or not, I don’t think it’s worth it.”

Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia remarked to CNN that both Trump and the White House “need to look at the constitutionality” of accepting the aircraft. “I would check for bugs—that’s what I would check,” she added, suggesting national security risks.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine also weighed in, saying the gesture “raises questions about whether the administration will comply with the gift law.”

Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri voiced his preference for domestic manufacturing, stating: “It would be better if Air Force One was a big, beautiful plane made in the United States of America. That would be ideal.”

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana emphasized the need to adhere to legal standards, telling CNN, “We must follow the law.”

While the debate unfolds, it adds another layer of controversy to the Trump administration’s foreign policy dynamics—particularly as Qatar, despite being a close US ally, has faced criticism from American lawmakers for its relations with Hamas and for its diplomatic positions regarding the ongoing conflict involving “Israel” and the Palestinian resistance.