Latest news with #TrumpPresidentialLibrary


Business Wire
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Soho Apparel Group Rallies Behind Trump's Made-in-America Agenda, Unveils Aggressive U.S. Manufacturing Expansion
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Soho Apparel Group, a leading private-label apparel company and trusted supplier to major U.S. retailers including Nordstrom, Tillys, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington, TJ Maxx, and Dillard's proudly announces its alignment with President Donald J. Trump's agenda to revitalize American manufacturing. Since its founding in 2002, Soho has grown into a cornerstone of the apparel industry, operating from a 300,000-square-foot facility in the City of Industry, California. In a strategic move to bolster domestic production and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, Soho Apparel Group is launching an ambitious expansion plan to increase its U.S.-based manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations by 300% by 2026. This initiative will create significant job opportunities for American workers and strengthen the nation's industrial foundation. James Chen, founder of Soho Apparel Group, expressed his enthusiasm: 'California was once a powerhouse of American manufacturing, and with President Trump's leadership, we see a clear path to restoring that legacy. We are proud to support the President's vision by bringing production back to the U.S., creating jobs, and contributing to the revival of the American Dream.' Limited Time Edition Trump Swag To celebrate this commitment, Soho Apparel Group will launch a limited-edition line of Trump-inspired merchandise, including patriotic socks and fanny packs. All proceeds will go toward supporting the Trump Presidential Library, with more details to follow on our website.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-Spox Slams Trump for $400M Qatar Jet: ‘Blood Money'
One of Donald Trump's former spokespeople tore into him for accepting a $400 million plane from Qatar. 'You're taking Qatari blood money,' Alyssa Farah Griffin, who served as White House director of strategic communications in 2020, told CNN. Trump had said he'd be 'stupid' not to accept the luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar's royal family, but the president's willingness to accept the gift has raised alarm across the political spectrum over what Qatar may expect in return. Lavish enough to have been dubbed a 'flying palace,' sources have told ABC the Boeing 747-8 is expected to be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation in the months ahead of his departure from office. Griffin reminded viewers in the Saturday interview of the stringent rules for White House officials concerning gifts, which prohibit staff from accepting anything worth more than $20, let alone $400 million, in their capacity as government employees. 'We were also told, 'Don't even take a pen from a foreign diplomat, a head of state, because it likely has surveillance technology on it,'' she said, warning it would likely cost White House security many millions of dollars simply to ensure the jet and its furnishings do not contain any concealed espionage devices. Griffin isn't alone in having expressed horror at the debacle. Former Vice President Mike Pence warned: 'We've got to remember who Qatar is' given the Gulf state's historic support for Al-Qaeda. Echoing Pence's concerns, Griffin pointed out on Saturday that Qatar has also helped 'shield' Hamas' finances prior to and during the War in Gaza. 'Way to step on your own message, Donald Trump,' she added.


First Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Trump To Accept "Flying Palace" As A Gift From Qatar: Reports Firstpost America
Trump To Accept "Flying Palace" As A Gift From Qatar: Reports | Firstpost America | N18G Trump To Accept "Flying Palace" As A Gift From Qatar: Reports | Firstpost America | N18G The White House is in talks with Qatar to secure a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet for temporary use as Air Force One. Qatar insists it's not a 'gift,' but a 'loan,' though the plane is expected to be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library after his term. The $400 million aircraft, dubbed a 'flying palace,' has sparked legal and ethical concerns, with critics citing the Constitution's emoluments clause. The Biden administration and Congress are watching closely as questions swirl about foreign influence, transparency, and whether this deal crosses the line between diplomacy and personal gain. Negotiations are still ongoing. Watch the video to know more. See More


Egypt Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Photos: Inside the ‘Palace in the Sky', Qatar's gift to Trump
ABC News revealed that the administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8, presented as a gift from the Qatari government. The aircraft, which Trump described as a 'Palace in the Sky,' is expected to be used as a temporary presidential aircraft during Trump's second term, before later being added to the Trump Presidential Library. Trump toured the aircraft in February and expressed his admiration for the level of luxury inside, despite it being over 13 years old. Boeing 747-8 Specifications The Boeing 747-8 is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, combining high performance and ultra-luxury, along with environmental efficiency and modern technology. Here are its specifications, according to the Boeing website: Speed: Reaches Mach 0.86, making it one of the fastest commercial aircraft in the world. Reaches Mach 0.86, making it one of the fastest commercial aircraft in the world. Range: Capable of flying 13,650 kilometers (7,370 nautical miles) non-stop. Capable of flying 13,650 kilometers (7,370 nautical miles) non-stop. Capacity : Seats up to 410 passengers in a three-class configuration. : Seats up to 410 passengers in a three-class configuration. Length : 76.3 meters (250 feet, two inches) : 76.3 meters (250 feet, two inches) Wingspan : 68.4 meters (224 feet, five inches) : 68.4 meters (224 feet, five inches) Height: 19.4 meters (63 feet, six inches) Technical Innovations New engines (GEnx-2B) : More fuel-efficient, quieter, and with lower environmental emissions. : More fuel-efficient, quieter, and with lower environmental emissions. Upgraded wing: Equipped with raked wingtips to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce aerodynamic drag. Equipped with raked wingtips to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce aerodynamic drag. Modern cockpit : Inspired by the Dreamliner, it offers advanced capabilities to reduce fuel consumption. : Inspired by the Dreamliner, it offers advanced capabilities to reduce fuel consumption. Integrated electronic systems: Including fully digital flight control and navigation. Design Luxurious interior design : Inspired by the 787 Dreamliner, it includes curved ceilings, dynamic LED lighting, and larger storage bins without compromising overhead space. : Inspired by the 787 Dreamliner, it includes curved ceilings, dynamic LED lighting, and larger storage bins without compromising overhead space. Luxurious internal staircase: Seamlessly and elegantly connects the two decks. Seamlessly and elegantly connects the two decks. Crew comfort: A dedicated crew sleeper above ground with 10 comfortable beds. Environmental Performance Quieter: The aircraft is 15 decibels lower than the international noise limit. The aircraft is 15 decibels lower than the international noise limit. Lower Emissions: It emits 52 percent less nitrogen oxide than the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) approved limits. It emits 52 percent less nitrogen oxide than the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) approved limits. Fuel Efficiency: Lower fuel consumption means significantly lower carbon emissions compared to previous versions.

Washington Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a gigantic flying conflict of interest!
Regarding the May 12 news article 'Trump administration is said to be in talks with Qatar over airplane donation': Isn't anyone worried about the security risk presented by the gift of a presidential airplane from a foreign country? The appearance of personal corruption such a gift presents, especially since the proposal is apparently for the plane to be transferred to the foundation handling the Trump Presidential Library at the end of President Donald Trump's term in office, and the gift's violation of the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution, ought to be reason enough to reject it. But what about the possibility that a foreign government might load the plan with hidden spying devices? Such bugging might be done by a foreign country either for its own information, or at the behest of or in collaboration with another world power. I have nothing against the Qataris in particular, because this would be an issue whether the donor nation was Canada, Britain or France. I consider such a gift to potentially be a Trojan horse as much as an expensive offering to curry favor with the administration. Daniel Lounberg, Arlington I recall that Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, the man responsible for developing the nuclear submarine, was the subject of a withering congressional inquiry and ultimately censured because his wife accepted jewelry from General Dynamics, the contractor that at the time had contracts to build the submarines the admiral oversaw. Now we have a president who is not only taking a taxpayer-funded trip to Persian Gulf states where his family is conducting business, but is also discussing accepting a Qatari replacement for Air Force One with the understanding that it will be given to his presidential library foundation after his time in office. Can't the United States replace its own presidential plane? It's amazing to think what the president would say if any federal employee accepted one thousandth of this attention. Howard Pedolsky, Rockville The suggestion that President Donald Trump could accept the gift of a plane from Qatar speaks to a lack of understanding — or perhaps even interest in — the Constitution of the United States. The emoluments clause prohibits government officials from the acceptance of gifts 'from any King, Prince or foreign State.' There is no exception to this rule in the text, and no language that gives any reason a president ought to be able to ignore it. Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously served as a registered lobbyist for Qatar and who said the gift would be legal, should be ashamed of entertaining such a notion. Perhaps they hope that, given that some Supreme Court justices have accepted lavish gifts from wealthy donors, the court may deny the clear and blatantly obvious language banning such gifts from foreign governments. Harlan Muntz, El Dorado Hills, California Regarding Dana Milbank's May 11 Sunday Opinion commentary, 'As the world goes to hell, Trump lives his best life': The so-called Genius Act that failed to advance in the Senate last week is far more threatening than the Republicans have let on. The crypto industry has proved to be extremely volatile and conducive to fraud, money laundering and other forms of corruption. Among the demonstrated uses of crypto assets to date are speculation akin to gambling; facilitation of crimes such as ransomware attacks in which the criminals demand payment in cryptocurrency; drug manufacturing and trafficking; and evasion of tax laws, financial restrictions on terrorist groups such as Hamas and sanctions on rogue regimes such as North Korea. And none of this includes the all-too-frequent scenarios in which prominent people release cryptocurrencies seemingly for the sole purpose of cashing in on the enthusiasm their fans feel for them — or providing a financial back channel for people who hope to influence them. A very disturbing example has been the Trump family's heavy involvement in the cryptocurrency industry, including the creation of multiple coins, investment in a cryptocurrency exchange and a crypto mining company that is set to go public. These efforts are estimated to have increased the Trump family's wealth by $2.9 billion at the same time that he is appointing crypto industry leaders to key regulatory leadership roles and weakening efforts to regulate the industry and enforce existing rules. Congress should not provide legitimacy to 'stablecoins,' and the administration should not be allowed to rush through a regulatory framework for this industry. Members of Congress and the public need time to come to grips with the massive conflicts of interest at stake. What will happen to our economy if Big Tech firms are allowed to issue stablecoins, become full-scale bankers and join the crypto industry in attempting to undermine the Federal Reserve's control over monetary policy? It's vital to make sure that blockchain technology cannot conceal transactions from law enforcement or devastate the environment through the increased consumption of electricity and water. We disagree with the characterization of these debates as boiling down to the supposedly simple question of whether cryptocurrency should be considered a 'commodity' or a 'security.' It's time for lawmakers to slow down and fully investigate and understand how much is at stake. Albert Foer, Washington Arthur Wilmarth, Fort Mills, South Carolina Don Resnikoff, Washington Henry Balikov, Moorestown, New Jersey Ninette Reis, Alexandria Albert Foer is the founder and past president of the American Antitrust Institute. Arthur Wilmarth is a retired law professor and the author of 'Taming the Megabanks.' Don Resnikoff served as an antitrust lawyer in the Justice Department and the D.C. Office of the Corporation Counsel. Henry Balikov is a consultant working on sustainability and climate resilience projects. Ninette Reis is a teacher. Of all the hypocrisy in this administration, nothing is worse than spending taxpayer money on a military parade that just so happens to take place on President Donald Trump's birthday. Maybe the president should pay for his celebration using some of the money he has made hawking his cryptocurrency while in office. Emily Williams, Salem, Connecticut President Donald Trump's plan for a military parade on his birthday while programs for the poor are being slashed by the U.S. DOGE Service and risk being cut in congressional negotiations, all as Americans struggle with prices that have not yet come down, sends the wrong message. His recent comment about kids receiving 'two dolls instead of 30' was tone-deaf at best. Some families would be grateful to afford even one. Planning a spectacle involving thousands of troops and vehicles, at a cost of as much as $45 million — much less the $90 million proposal for a similar parade floated and abandoned in the first administration — feels out of touch and fiscally irresponsible. This is not what leadership looks like. It's pageantry at the expense of purpose. Connie Lindley, Bella Vista, Arkansas Many of us are wondering what kind of deals President Donald Trump is planning to negotiate with other nations in exchange for lowering exorbitant tariffs. It seems unimaginable, but if those agreements end up adding tremendously to the wealth of Trump and his family, I think we should not be surprised. Greg Palmer, Avon Lake, Ohio Regarding the May 9 front-page article 'U.S., Britain reach trade pact in first agreement on tariffs': Given the momentum generated by the U.K.-U.S. trade deal, one element of potential economic cooperation between the two nations deserves more attention. Expanding opportunities for U.K. patients to participate in U.S.-led clinical trials could open doors for individuals with rare or advanced conditions to pursue potential treatments that are not available to them. Closer collaboration could aid the U.K. in its efforts to become a global hub for innovation in health and biotechnology and benefit the British public as the U.K. navigates its post-Brexit future. Despite these benefits, access to U.S. clinical trials must be met with caution. Concerns remain about the governance of these cross-border trials: How will data protection be ensured? Given some of the Trump administration's stances, can full inclusion of people from different socioeconomic and ethnic groups be guaranteed? Will British regulators retain full autonomy in approving treatments derived from U.S. trials, or will the U.S. demand market access without independent approval in exchange for collaboration? The promise of progress must be matched by safeguards. But done right, an agreement on clinical trials could dismantle long-standing barriers and remove the limitations that have kept lifesaving treatments out of reach in Britain for too long. Muhibo Abdalla, Leicester, England The writer is a pharmacist. The trade deal outlined by the United States and Britain is possible only because of Brexit. Being able to rapidly negotiate a separate agreement tailored to Britain's situation and trade with the U.S., and subject only to British politics rather than those of other European countries, is the first major concrete benefit that Britain has gained from Brexit. While the agreement might leave the U.K. worse off than it was before any of President Donald Trump's tariffs, it very substantially mitigates the harm that his original tariffs would impose on Britain. Favorably adjusting the U.K.-U.S. trade relationship also benefits the United States, although that's limited because the U.K. is not a top-tier U.S. trading partner. Vic Simon, Baltimore