- United States
- Va.
- Letter
The recent reports that President Trump plans to accept a $400 million luxury aircraft from Qatar as a replacement for Air Force One are deeply concerning. Accepting such an extravagant gift from a foreign government undermines the integrity and independence of the presidency. It creates conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety that could compromise America's global standing and foreign policy objectives. The office of the presidency should be beholden solely to the American people, not bribed by lavish gifts from other nations seeking to gain influence. This $400 million plane is not a simple goodwill gesture - it is an attempt by Qatar to curry favor with the president through opulent personal rewards. Even if no explicit quid pro quo demands accompany the gift, its acceptance erodes the power and prestige of the presidency by making it appear compromised. The core duties of the president are to faithfully execute the laws of the United States and act in the nation's best interests, not personal self-enrichment. Retaining impartiality and avoiding undue foreign entanglements are crucial to effective leadership on the world stage. I urge you to take action to prevent this transfer and stop further precedents that obfuscate ethical boundaries. The American people's trust in the office demands leadership that places national interests first.