1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

President Trump accepted a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family. That is not a harmless gesture. It is a violation of the U.S. Constitution and a direct threat to national security. Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the Constitution, known as the Foreign Emoluments Clause, explicitly bars any federal official from accepting gifts, payments, or benefits from foreign states without the consent of Congress. There has been no such consent. This gift is unconstitutional. Beyond the legal violation, this poses a severe espionage risk. The aircraft was previously operated by the Qatari government. Intelligence and aviation experts warn it could be outfitted with surveillance devices or compromised systems. This is a threat vector, not a gift. On top of that, the Department of Defense will face enormous taxpayer costs to inspect, dismantle, and thoroughly scrub the plane for security risks before any possible use. This is an unnecessary waste of government funds triggered by a reckless and illegal acceptance of a foreign gift. This action undermines democratic accountability and opens the door to foreign influence over U.S. officials. That is exactly what the Emoluments Clause was written to prevent. The founders were clear. Foreign entanglements corrupt domestic governance. Even Republican Senators John Thune, Ted Cruz, and others have raised serious concerns about this gift. Bipartisan voices are demanding action. You must not remain silent. I am calling on you to do the following: • Open a formal congressional investigation under the authority of the House Oversight Committee or the Senate Judiciary Committee. • Issue public statements condemning this apparent violation of constitutional law. • Introduce or support legislation reinforcing prohibitions against foreign gifts to U.S. officials, including former presidents. • Ensure the Department of Justice and intelligence agencies fully assess national security risks tied to this aircraft. Silence is complicity. You took an oath to defend the Constitution. That oath does not expire and does not bend for political convenience. Act now.