1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The proposed arrangement of accepting a luxurious Boeing 747-8 aircraft as a gift from Qatar for President Trump's use raises serious constitutional concerns under the Emoluments Clause. This clause prohibits federal officials from receiving any present or emolument from a foreign state without Congressional consent. The intent is to prevent foreign influence and corruption. While the administration has drafted a legal analysis claiming this gift does not violate the clause since it is being given to the Air Force and eventually the presidential library, not directly to the President, this appears to be a loophole circumventing the clear spirit and purpose of the Emoluments Clause. A $400 million gift of this nature from a foreign government explicitly for the President's personal use and benefit carries clear risks of improper foreign influence. As members of Congress, you have a Constitutional duty to provide oversight and approval for any such valuable foreign gift to a federal official. Allowing this to proceed without your explicit consent would be an abdication of your responsibilities and could enable further erosion of this critical anti-corruption principle. Stringent adherence to the Emoluments Clause is essential to maintaining integrity and independence in government. I urge you to firmly object to this arrangement and require Congressional approval before allowing it to advance.