1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The idea that a $400 million jet from Qatar is a “gift” to the American people is deeply misleading. Outfitting this Boeing 747-8 to meet the security, communication, and defense requirements for Air Force One will cost U.S. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and take years. Experts note that these modifications include encrypted communications, missile defense systems, and shielding against electromagnetic attacks—none of which come standard (Defense News, May 2025). This isn’t just about cost. The administration has signaled plans to transfer the jet to the Trump Presidential Library after his term. That means taxpayers would pay to upgrade a plane to serve the presidency, only for it to become a personal asset once Trump leaves office. This is a clear violation of the public trust and raises major constitutional concerns under the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without the consent of Congress (New York Post, May 2025). Calling this a “free gift” is a dangerous distortion. Retrofits alone could exceed $300 million, and the Air Force already has a new Air Force One in production. The Qatar plane is a distraction at best, and at worst, a misuse of taxpayer funds for political self-interest (Politico, May 2025). I urge you to block this transfer and ensure that no taxpayer dollars go toward upgrading a jet that will be handed off to a private foundation. We do not exist to subsidize vanity assets for any president—past, present, or future.