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A report that former President Donald Trump is considering accepting a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar — with potential use as Air Force One — prompted awkward laughter, sidesteps, and tongue-in-cheek comments from Republicans on Capitol Hill Monday night.
The ABC News exclusive, which revealed that Trump may accept the extravagant aircraft as a gift from the Qatari government, caught many GOP senators off guard and drew a mix of evasive replies and jokes rather than serious discussion about the ethical or security implications of such a move.
“I don’t know enough about the story,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), before bursting into laughter when told Trump intended to use the plane as Air Force One.
“It might make me consider the appropriateness of that? Yes,” she said, chuckling. Asked about security concerns, she replied while laughing, “Well, they better sweep that plane from front to back.”
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) responded with his own brand of dry sarcasm:
“Well, I think it’d be better if it were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America,” he quipped.
Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) both avoided weighing in directly.
“I don’t know enough about it yet,” Thune said. “I don’t know that there’s… any offer.” Johnson added, “I haven’t seen all the details about it.”
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), known for his folksy commentary, sidestepped the potential national security and legal concerns, noting instead,
“I think we ought to follow the law, whatever that is,” and adding, “Well, France gave us the Statue of Liberty.”
The proposed gift raises numerous legal and ethical red flags, especially given the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, which bars U.S. officials — including former presidents — from accepting gifts of value from foreign governments without congressional approval.
Critics warn that a gift of this magnitude from a foreign government could raise concerns about influence, transparency, and national security, especially if used in an official or quasi-official capacity like Air Force One.
