President Trump’s plan to accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar—to be used first as Air Force One then given to Trump’s presidential library foundation—is cause for bipartisan concern and raises incredibly serious corruption and national security risks. Congress should hold a public hearing as soon as possible assessing the consequences of accepting this so-called gift, CREW President Noah Bookbinder and Society for the Rule of Law Executive Director Gregg Nunziata told Congressional leadership in a letter sent today. 

The framers of the Constitution sought to prevent corruption and reduce even the appearance of impropriety in drafting the Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits the president from receiving, among other things, any profit, gain or advantage from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. President Trump’s reported plan to accept a Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari government to be used as Air Force One, and to transfer it to his presidential library after his term, could potentially violate the Constitution. He has made no indication that he will seek Congressional approval, as would be required by the Constitution if it does fall under the Foreign Emoluments Clause. 

Congressional hearings should focus both on corruption concerns as well as the significant national security concerns already raised by both Democrats and Republicans. Any hearing should also investigate Attorney General Pam Bondi’s assessment that the acceptance of the aircraft would be “legally permissible,” as well as her potential conflicts of interest as a former lobbyist for Qatar. 

This arrangement raises the specter that the Qatari government could receive potential favorable treatment as a result of this gift, and sends a troubling message to other foreign governments who, like Qatar, may be seeking to curry favor with the administration: that influence with the White House is for sale. 

Bookbinder and Nunziata emphasize in the letter that, as former Senate committee counsels, one who worked for Republicans and one who worked for Democrats, they believe strongly in Congress’s critical oversight role. Congress has a Constitutional obligation to conduct bipartisan investigations that strengthen our government and serve the interests of the American people. An investigation into this matter squarely fits that description. Congress must not sit on the sidelines while the American public is left to wonder about the possibility of corruption, national security risks and government waste, and must hold hearings as soon as possible. 

Read the letter

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