MAGA Republicans Join the Criticism: Trump Faces Heat Over Qatar Gift
It's getting increasingly difficult For Republicans and even his most ardent supporters to justify Donald Trump's unconstitutional or otherwise flawed behaviors during his presidency. In the instance of Trump, agreeing to a $400 million luxury jet From Qatar, they seem completely uninterested—and some individuals, including certain staunch supporters of the president, are making an effort to criticize this blatantly corrupt action.
Laura Loomer, the far-right conspiracy theorist and diehard Trump supporter ( and adviser ) responded swiftly to the news on Sunday that the administration planned to approve the acceptance of an expensive aircraft from a Middle Eastern country. She noted that this jet would eventually become part of Trump’s presidential library once his term ended. “I am a huge supporter of President Trump; I’d do anything for him. However, we must face facts here. Accepting a multi-million dollar 'present' from terrorists dressed up as businessmen just isn’t right,” she said. wrote X. Loomer added that agreeing to accept the plane would be "a significant blemish" on the administration.
"Ditto," replied Mark Levin, one of Trump's most fervent supporters on Fox News, whose fawning coverage the president frequently lauds.
In his podcast, right-leaning pundit Ben Shapiro questioned, "Does this benefit President Trump? Does it support his agenda? Is it helpful for reducing government corruption?" asked The response is: No, it shouldn’t be like this. If you wish for President Trump’s success, such shady practices need to end.
Republican legislators were not pleased, either.
"As stated in Article II of the Constitution, President cannot receive emoluments or presents from foreign rulers," said Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.). told Fox News on Monday, before attempting to parse whether the gift could be accepted if it were only used for official purposes. "We're not talking about a ride on the plane; we're talking about the entire $400 million plane. I think it's not worth the appearance of impropriety."
"It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America," said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), per The Hill . Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) seemed most concerned with safety. "I'm not flying on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas. I don't know how you make it safe," he said. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) echoed Paul in wondering "whether the administration would be in compliance with gift law."
The concern is well-founded. The Constitution states that the president cannot "accept any present … of any kind whatever" from a foreign state without the approval of Congress.
ABC News highlights How some Republicans have avoided addressing the matter altogether, with the leading Republican in the Senate, John Thune, along with the head Republican in the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, stating on Monday that they lacked sufficient information to provide commentary on the issue.
The previous leading Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy, was not as vague when speaking with CNN. He stated, "I don't believe another nation should supply resources to America." said We don’t require that," McCarthy critiqued the present, yet paradoxically attempted to absolve Trump of blame by stating, "I’m unsure which assistant handled this, but knowing [Chief of Staff] Susie [Wiles] and President Trump, this is likely not their preference.
Trump has made clear , yet he certainly desired the airplane. Actually, he referred to everyone who claimed he should not have accepted it as "stupid."
“I believe this is a wonderful gesture from Qatar, and I am really appreciative,” he stated on Monday. “It’s not like me to refuse such an offer.” Later, when confronted with questions regarding the present during a press interaction, Trump criticized the journalist and began talking about renowned golfer Sam Snead. According to Trump, Snead had a principle which involved accepting the opponent's putt: “Many individuals are foolish. They respond, 'No, no, let me do my own,' then end up missing it, causing their teammate to get upset with them.”
"The president highlighted, with disbelief, that they are being offered a complimentary jet," emphasizing the unlikelihood of anyone disputing the acceptance of such an offer from a Middle Eastern country known for attempting to purchase influence.
On Tuesday, Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia for his first official overseas visit during his second term. Following this leg of the journey, he will move on to Qatar, where his business has recently agreed to develop a new golf resort.
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