Saturday, March 29, 2025
The Trump Qatar plane deal has drawn sharp criticism from both his supporters and detractors, creating a rare moment of bipartisan unity in Washington.
Former President Donald Trump faces mounting backlash after news surfaced that the Qatari royal family plans to donate a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet—worth $400 million—to the U.S. Department of Defense. The jet, some say, is a gift laced with diplomatic expectations.
Initially, the loudest criticism came from Democrats, who called the move unethical and reminiscent of foreign influence tactics. However, prominent voices in the Republican camp quickly joined the chorus.
Some MAGA influencers labeled the deal as “grift,” “bribery,” and “corruption,” terms Trump himself has often used against opponents. The White House insists the jet will eventually go to Trump’s presidential library, not his personal fleet. Still, that hasn’t calmed the uproar.
Right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro described the situation as “skeezy,” while also accusing Qatar of strategically funding both political sides in America. He referenced past allegations that Qatar has backed terrorist groups—claims Doha denies.
Even conservative activist Laura Loomer, a usually loyal Trump supporter, slammed the deal. She called it “a stain” and shared a cartoon likening the jet to a Trojan horse loaded with militants.
Meanwhile, a Democratic National Committee plane flew over Trump’s Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, trailing a mocking banner that read “Qatar-a-Lago.”
Traditionally supportive outlets also criticized the deal. The New York Post, a key MAGA-aligned newspaper, wrote in an editorial that Trump “should not accept” what they dubbed a “Palace in the Sky.”
On Fox News, host Mark Levin labeled Qatar a “terror state” and argued that lavish gifts can’t cleanse its reputation. He warned that accepting the plane could give Qatar undue influence in U.S. affairs.
The Qatari government maintains that this is a government-to-government deal. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told CNN the jet had “nothing to do with personal relationships” and was purely between the two defense ministries.
Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, echoed this, stating the administration follows all laws regarding gifts from foreign governments. She emphasized “full transparency” and compliance with U.S. legal requirements.
Yet, critics argue the optics are troubling. The U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause forbids officials from accepting gifts from foreign states. Though the jet is technically going to the Department of Defense, many believe the gesture indirectly benefits Trump.
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly assessed the deal’s legality and found no wrongdoing. However, her past as a paid lobbyist for Qatar—earning as much as $115,000 monthly—has raised eyebrows.
Adding to suspicions, the Trump Organization recently announced plans to build a luxury golf resort in Qatar. These overlapping financial and diplomatic ties have only fueled the controversy.
During a White House press briefing, Trump snapped at a reporter questioning the ethics of the jet. “You should be embarrassed,” he said, adding that only “a FOOL” would reject the gift.
On Truth Social, Trump compared the jet to the Statue of Liberty, which was gifted by France. “The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME!” he wrote.
However, some Republicans aren’t convinced. Senator Rand Paul warned that the gift could cloud America’s judgment of Qatar’s human rights record. Senator Ted Cruz expressed concerns about espionage and surveillance risks linked to the plane.
Only a few allies, such as Senator Tommy Tuberville, defended the move, citing financial constraints. “Free is good,” he said.
Despite the bipartisan criticism, experts say the scandal may not damage Trump’s support base. Republican strategist Doug Heye noted, “Trump has turned potential scandals into forgettable headlines before. He’s skilled at surviving what would destroy other politicians.”
Nevertheless, the Trump Qatar plane deal has clearly reignited questions about transparency, ethics, and foreign influence—issues that may follow the former president into the next election.
