Congress Seeks Limits on Trump Qatar $400M Plane Deal Amid Corruption Concerns

Controversy surrounds the roughly $400 million Boeing 747 airplane from Qatar intended to serve as the new Air Force One, which Donald Trump plans to transfer to his presidential library after leaving office. Reports reveal that the Trump administration initially approached Qatar to acquire the jet, contradicting Trump's claim that it was a gift, escalating bipartisan concerns about ethics and national security. Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation to block the use of federal funds for the plane, citing risks of corruption and national security, though passage is unlikely in the Republican-controlled Congress. Some Republicans have expressed unease, highlighting the potential security risks of using a foreign government-owned aircraft, especially given Qatar's complex regional ties. Trump has publicly defended the arrangement, insisting the plane is a donation to the U.S. government, not a personal gift, and has criticized media coverage as misleading and defamatory. The controversy reflects broader concerns about blurred lines between public service and private enrichment during Trump's tenure and his ongoing business dealings with foreign entities.