Trump faces backlash from MAGA allies over reported jet gift from Qatar
Former President Donald Trump is facing criticism from prominent conservative voices over reports that he plans to accept a luxury jet from Qatar. The proposed gift, first reported by CNN, has been described by several of Trump's own allies as unethical and potentially damaging.
BREAKING: In a stunning moment, Republican podcaster Ben Shapiro just went scorched Earth against Donald Trump's corrupt bargain with Qatar. This is huge.pic.twitter.com/1VyqpNVP0H — Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) May 12, 2025
Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro called the move 'indefensible' on his Monday podcast. He argued that if a Democrat did the same, 'we'd all be freaking out on the right,' drawing comparisons to other alleged examples of influence peddling, including Trump's cryptocurrency sweepstakes.
I love Donald Trump.
Sometimes you just have to call a spade a spade.
Qatar funds the Muslim Brotherhood which funds BLM, ANTIFA, and every Islamic radical in the United States.
Qatar is financing terrorism and chaos in America.
This is undeniable. It's a proven fact. https://t.co/zIWcbKxn64 — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 12, 2025
I love President Trump.
I would take a bullet for him.
But, I have to call a spade a spade.
We cannot accept a $400 million 'gift' from jihadists in suits.
The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered US Service Members. The same… https://t.co/V4kzJpCsRk pic.twitter.com/HqVztPfZZ3 — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 11, 2025
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer echoed that frustration in a series of posts on X, writing, 'This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true.' She cited Qatar's past relationship with Hamas as a key concern. Fox News host Mark Levin reposted her comments, simply adding, 'Ditto.'
Although Trump has defended the plan—claiming that only 'stupid people' would reject such an offer—others in the MAGA media ecosystem remain uneasy. Talk radio host Erick Erickson questioned Qatar's status as a U.S. ally and warned the deal could lead to legal trouble, particularly given that Pam Bondi, who reportedly approved the gift, had previously lobbied for Qatar.
Andrew McCarthy, contributing editor at National Review, also criticised the move in a column, arguing that the administration 'doesn't grasp the concepts of constitutional duty and conflicts of interest.' Batya Ungar-Sargon, appearing on Newsmax, went further, calling the gift 'a bribe.'
Despite the backlash, right-wing television coverage has largely avoided the controversy. Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said on Fox & Friends the deal would comply with legal standards but did not address conflict of interest concerns.
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