1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Congressional Democrats are trying to force a vote in response to reports that Trump will accept a luxury jet from Qatar that will be retrofitted as the next Air Force One. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to place a blanket hold on all Justice Department political nominees as he seeks answers related to the Trump administration’s plans to accept the jet. Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are pushing a measure that would target the gift, which is valued at $400 million, over questions about foreign influence and national security. “The Constitution is clear: elected officials, like the president, cannot accept large gifts from foreign governments without consent from Congress. Air Force One is more than just a plane — it’s a symbol of the presidency and of the United States itself,” the quartet said in a statement, arguing that it “creates a clear conflict of interest and undermines public trust in our government” on top of influence and national security issues. “No one — not even the president — is above the law,” they said. “This week, we will ask the Senate to vote to reiterate a basic principle: no one should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, also said that Trump must get approval from Congress before he is able to accept the luxury jet. The Constitution forbids the president from accepting any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind whatever.” “The Constitution says, from a king, prince, or foreign state, without the consent of Congress,” the Maryland Democrat added. “So, he’s got to come to Congress first.” Raskin pointed to the Statue of Liberty as an example. In 1877, former President Grant — on his last day in office — signed a joint-Congressional resolution to accept the gift from France.