Special plane relationship

Qatar’s $400 million Boeing 747 gift to Donald Trump drew scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers. Prime Minister Al Thani claimed the gesture was standard between allies, denying influence-buying motives. Trump welcomed the aircraft, intended for his presidential library, calling it a “generous offer.”

The move prompted a Senate bill on ethical grounds. The bill would prohibit the use of U.S. taxpayer funds to modify an aircraft owned by a foreign entity for presidential purposes.

The Trump Administration formally accepted the offer on Wednesday.

GOING FURTHER

• Qatar dismisses concerns over offer of aircraft to Trump | REUTERS

• Qatari PM denies Trump plane gift is bribery | POLITICO

• Sources contradict Trump narrative about Qatar offering plane as ‘gift’ | CNN

Sources:

▪ This piece was first published in Europeans TODAY.

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