Former President Donald Trump is getting heat from more than just Democrats over his plan to accept a luxury jet from the royal family of Qatar. Even some of his strongest supporters are not on board with the idea.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer, who is close to Trump, and conservative commentator Ben Shapiro are both speaking out against it. So are a number of Republican lawmakers who usually support Trump.
“I trust Qatar like I trust a gas station bathroom,” said Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana during a Fox News interview on May 14. “With them, trust in God—but still lock your doors.”
Trump wants to use the $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet as a temporary Air Force One while Boeing finishes two new planes, which aren’t expected to be ready until 2027. The aircraft, which has a fancy interior, would be the largest foreign gift ever accepted by a U.S. president. But many people, including Trump’s supporters, are uncomfortable with the idea.
“I love President Trump, I would even take a bullet for him,” Loomer posted on social media on May 11. “But we cannot take a $400 million gift from people connected to terrorism.”
Loomer, who has been gaining more influence in Trump’s circle, even helped convince him to fire some national security officials last month by showing him proof of their disloyalty. She says Qatar has links to terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
“This would be a big stain on the administration if it’s true,” she added. “I’m really disappointed.”
Ben Shapiro also spoke out on his podcast, saying this move goes against Trump’s “America First” motto.
“Taking expensive gifts from countries that support Hamas and other groups? That’s not ‘America First,’” he said. “If this was Joe or Hunter Biden, conservatives would be outraged.”
Trump visited Qatar on May 14 and met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during his first trip overseas in his second term.
Some critics say accepting the plane might break the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bans government officials from taking gifts from foreign leaders. The White House claims the plane is meant for the U.S. Air Force, not Trump himself—even though he plans to use it after his presidency for his future library.
Ethics experts from past presidential administrations disagree. They say it’s basically a gift to Trump no matter how it’s explained.
Republicans who aren’t worried about the legal side are still concerned about safety.
“My main worry is the president’s safety,” said Senator Rick Scott of Florida. “Qatar supports Hamas. How do we know the plane doesn’t have anything dangerous inside?”
Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri said the U.S. should buy American planes instead.
“I want a big, beautiful jet,” Hawley said on CNN, “but it should be made in the U.S. That’s the right path.”
Trump has been frustrated with Boeing’s delays. He gave the company a $3.9 billion contract back in 2018 to build two new Air Force Ones. His plan is to use the Qatari plane for now and later move it to his presidential library.
However, lawmakers say if the Qatari jet is used as Air Force One, it will have to be taken apart and rebuilt to make sure there’s no spying equipment inside.
Not all Republicans are against the idea.
“I think the media is making this a bigger deal than it really is,” said Missouri Congressman Mark Alford on CNN. “The proper legal and ethical steps will be taken before anything happens.”
Alford added, “President Trump just wants a newer plane. The current one is 40 years old.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson also stayed neutral, saying it’s not his place to comment.
“My understanding is that it’s not a personal gift,” Johnson said to reporters on May 14. “Countries give us things all the time. But I’ll let the administration handle it. It’s not really my role.”
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