Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Tuesday he is placing a hold on all political nominees to the Department of Justice, demanding answers on what he called a “deeply unethical” plan for the Trump administration to accept a luxury jet from Qatar as a replacement Air Force One.
Schumer’s move escalates growing controversy over the reported deal, which critics argue could violate the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, a provision barring federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
“In light of the deeply troubling news of a possible Qatari-funded Air Force One, and reports that the Attorney General personally signed off on this clearly unethical deal, I am announcing a hold on all DOJ political nominees until we get more answers,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.
While the hold doesn’t formally block nominees, it can significantly slow their confirmation. The New York Democrat laid out a series of questions for the administration, asking who installed security features on the plane and who will pay for them. “Will American taxpayers cover the cost of making this jet secure, or will Qatar?” he asked.
The deal has raised bipartisan concerns, with even Trump ally Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, warning of “significant espionage and surveillance problems.”
Adding to the unease is Attorney General Pam Bondi’s prior role as a lobbyist for the Qatari government, an issue Senate Democrats say raises clear conflict of interest concerns. “We have questions about how she cleared her ethics statement,” said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
A senior Justice Department official told NBC News the Office of Legal Counsel concluded the deal was legal, though the DOJ has not released the legal memo. Schumer called on Bondi to testify publicly, adding:
“The attorney general must explain why gifting Donald Trump a private jet does not violate the emoluments clause or any other ethics laws.”
The White House pushed back hard, accusing Schumer of playing politics.
“Senator Schumer and his anti-law-and-order party are prioritizing politics over critical DOJ appointments,” a spokesperson said. “Cryin’ Chuck must end the antics.”
President Trump, speaking before departing for a Middle East trip Monday, defended accepting the plane, calling it “a very nice gesture” and suggesting it would one day sit in his presidential library.
“I could be a stupid person and say, ‘Oh no, we don’t want a free plane,’” Trump said. “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer.”
Legal experts, however, say the move could reignite unresolved questions about Trump’s past foreign entanglements and the constitutional limits on presidents accepting benefits from foreign states. While emoluments-related lawsuits during his first term were ultimately dismissed, no Supreme Court precedent exists on how such clauses should be enforced.
Notably, the deal comes as Boeing’s official replacement program for Air Force One has experienced delays and budget overruns. The company previously said it was working with Elon Musk to speed up production.
The situation has also resurfaced concerns about spy risks. Lawmakers have cited past examples of foreign “gifts” containing surveillance devices, such as a Soviet-carved Great Seal given to the U.S. ambassador in 1945 — which was later discovered to contain a hidden microphone.
“This must not be swept under the rug,” Schumer said. “Until we get full transparency and accountability, there will be no more rubber stamps for this DOJ.”
