Senate Republicans Block Bill to Ban Qatari Gift Jet for Trump

Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) blocked the Presidential Airlift Security Act, a move that effectively preserves the administration's ability to utilize the aircraft. Schumer (D-N.Y.) had pushed for the bill to prohibit federal taxpayer funds from being spent on the procurement, modification, or maintenance of foreign-donated planes. He characterized the $200–400 million aircraft as a national security risk and a form of bribery, vowing to maintain a hold on Department of Justice nominees until the administration provides answers regarding the ethics of the deal.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the acceptance of the jet, stating the decision aligns with federal regulations. While the administration maintains the gift is a gesture of partnership, critics have labeled the plan to modify the plane with public funds before eventually transferring it to a presidential library as a corrupt misuse of resources. In the House, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) has expanded a formal probe into the transaction, demanding comprehensive documentation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and special envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the agreements between the U.S. government, Qatar, and private contractors involved in the handover.