1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's plan to accept a lavishly appointed Boeing 747-8 as a gift from Qatar for use as Air Force One raises substantial ethical concerns. Accepting such an immensely valuable gift from a foreign government intersects with the President's business interests in the region. It appears to be a case of U.S. foreign policy being for sale. Moreover, the assumption that the President would have use of this luxury plane after leaving office further compounds the ethical issues. This transaction exemplifies the improper mixing of President Trump's official duties with his personal business dealings. It amounts to outright corruption and bribery on a massive scale. Allowing this gift would set a dangerous precedent of foreign influence over U.S. policy through personal enrichment of the President. Congress must intervene to prevent this unethical and potentially illegal plan from moving forward. Voters will not forget such flagrant disregard for ethical governance come the next election. Upholding democratic norms and preventing further erosion of democratic institutions should be of paramount importance.