Latest news with #PresidentialAirliftSecurityAct
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senate GOP blocks Schumer attempt to pass Qatari jet bill
Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) bill that takes aim at President Trump's deal with Qatar to accept a luxury jet as a gift to serve as the next Air Force One. Schumer attempted to pass the measure, which would essentially bar the use of a foreign-owned aircraft as the presidential aircraft, via unanimous consent. 'This gift is outrageous,' Schumer said on the floor, calling it the 'largest foreign bribe in modern history.' 'It is bribery in broad daylight. … This is about ensuring our national security and about not wasting taxpayer dollars on an utterly senseless deal.' 'Donald Trump accepting this gift reeks of corruption and naked self-enrichment,' Schumer added, calling on the GOP to support it. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) blocked the effort. Specifically, the Presidential Airlift Security Act would prohibit taxpayer funds from being used to retrofit any such plane as the presidential aircraft. The move marked the latest attempt by Democrats to combat the potential arrangement, which would see the jet — valued at $400 million — transferred to the Department of Defense and be retrofitted over the coming months and years to serve as the next Air Force One. The Pentagon officially accepted the jet Wednesday. Following Trump's term, it would be transferred to his presidential library. The gift has prompted an outcry from Democrats, who view it as blatant corruption. However, Senate Republicans have not rushed to Trump's side to back him on the issue. A number of members have aired complaints centered on safety and security, especially given Qatar's past support for Hamas and the appearance of a quid pro quo. Others also are confused by the need for this move, given the extensive cost to retrofit the aircraft in order to fly as Air Force One and then fly for a limited amount of time before it would be transferred to Trump's library. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Senate GOP blocks Schumer attempt to pass Qatari jet bill
Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) bill that takes aim at President Trump's deal with Qatar to accept a luxury jet as a gift to serve as the next Air Force One. Schumer attempted to pass the measure, which would essentially bar the use of a foreign-owned aircraft as the presidential aircraft, via unanimous consent. 'This gift is outrageous,' Schumer said on the floor, calling it the 'largest foreign bribe in modern history.' 'It is bribery in broad daylight. … This is about ensuring our national security and about not wasting taxpayer dollars on an utterly senseless deal.' 'Donald Trump accepting this gift reeks of corruption and naked self-enrichment,' Schumer added, calling on the GOP to support it. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) blocked the effort. Specifically, the Presidential Airlift Security Act would prohibit taxpayer funds from being used to retrofit any such plane as the presidential aircraft. The move marked the latest attempt by Democrats to combat the potential arrangement, which would see the jet — valued at $400 million — be transferred to the Department of Defense and be retrofitted over the coming months and years to serve as the next Air Force One. The Pentagon officially accepted the jet on Wednesday. Following Trump's term, it would be transferred to his presidential library. The gift has prompted an outcry from Democrats, who view it as blatant corruption. However, Senate Republicans have not rushed to Trump's side to back him up on the issue. A number of members have aired complaints centered on safety and security, especially given Qatar's past support for Hamas and the appearance of a quid pro quo. Others also are confused by the need for this move, given the extensive cost to retrofit the aircraft in order to fly as Air Force One and then fly for a limited amount of time before it would be transferred to Trump's library.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Not trying to buy influence, says Qatar on aircraft offer to Trump
DOHA: Qatar dismissed concerns about its offer to give US President Trump a Boeing plane, saying it was not trying to buy influence, a day after a bill was introduced in senate to prevent a foreign aircraft operating as Air Force One. Qatar's PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Tuesday the offer was "a normal thing that happens between allies". He said he did not know why people considered the gift as bribery, or a way for Qatar to buy influence with the Trump administration. "But I'm hoping that people in the US and even the politicians over there, they see us as a friend, as a partner, as a reliable partner that we've always been there for the US whenever we were needed," he said in Doha. US senator (D) Chuck Schumer introduced the " Presidential Airlift Security Act ' after news Trump planned to accept a $400 million airplane from Qatar, which legal experts said raised a raft of questions about the scope of laws that relate to gifts from foreign govts and are intended to thwart corruption and improper influence. Trump shrugged off ethical concerns, saying it would be "stupid" to turn down the generous offer.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Not a bribery, normal thing…': Qatar PM justifies $400M luxury jet offer to Trump
atar dismissed concerns about its offer to give U.S. President Donald Trump a Boeing plane, saying it was not trying to buy influence, a day after a bill was introduced in the Senate to prevent a foreign aircraft operating as Air Force One. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Tuesday that the offer was "a normal thing that happens between allies." He said he did not know why people considered the gift as bribery, or a way for Qatar to buy influence with the Trump administration. "But I'm hoping that people in the United States and even the politicians over there, they see us as a friend, as a partner, as a reliable partner that we've always been there for the U.S. whenever we were needed," he said at the Qatar Economic Forum held in Doha. U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced the "Presidential Airlift Security Act" after news Trump planned to accept a $400 million airplane from Qatar, which legal experts said raised a raft of questions about the scope of laws that relate to gifts from foreign governments and are intended to thwart corruption and improper influence. Trump shrugged off ethical concerns, saying it would be "stupid" to turn down the generous offer. Show more Show less
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Trump's Qatar Jet Gift Under Fire: Schumer Targets Foreign Aircraft From Being Used As Air Force One
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced a bill targeting President Donald Trump's alleged plans to accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar as a future Air Force One. The proposed 'Presidential Airlift Security Act' aims to block the use of foreign-built aircraft for presidential transport, citing security concerns and potential foreign influence. Experts warn the Qatari plane would require costly modifications for secure communications and missile defense. Schumer argues the move is essential to preserve the integrity of presidential assets and prevent undue foreign sway. The bill also signals a broader Democratic effort to scrutinize Trump's dealings and pressure the DOJ for full transparency on the Qatar offer. Read More
