Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is planning to halt all Justice Department political appointees until the Trump administration reveals more about its intentions to accept a high-end jumbo jet from the Qatari government, as the New York Times reported.
This is simply factually inaccurate. Schumer’s argument is predicated on two points: the alleged “corruption” involved and the supposed “national security threat.” Let’s examine the facts. The Qatari ruling family’s prospective gift of a $500 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, which Trump would use as Air Force One, comes amid Trump’s diplomatic engagement with the Middle East. This includes discussions on foreign investment in the U.S. by Saudi Arabia, curtailing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and resolving the conflict in Gaza.
What if Schumer’s concerns are valid? He is demanding that the Justice Department’s Foreign Agents Registration Act Unit reveal any potential dealings by Qatari representatives that could indirectly benefit Trump’s private enterprises. He also wants information about the impact of this transfer on the already agreed-upon purchase of several Boeing aircraft for presidential use. But here’s the problem with that logic: Schumer’s allegations of politicization are premature, given that the transfer has not been finalized and is under review by both the Qatari Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Schumer’s insinuations of corruption and national security threats are baseless. As the White House press secretary confirmed, all gifts from foreign governments are accepted in compliance with all applicable laws, and the administration is committed to transparency. By definition, there can’t be corruption where there’s full compliance with the law and transparency.
If Schumer is right and there are legitimate national security concerns about retrofitting a foreign-owned plane with White House communications equipment, then wouldn’t the same concerns arise with any foreign-built aircraft, whether gifted or not? Republican senators have echoed the need for extensive inspections and constitutionality checks, which is common sense, not groundbreaking politics.
The reality is that Schumer’s protestations appear more like political posturing than genuine concern for national security or corruption. Senator Schumer: Allegations without evidence are just that – baseless assertions.