United States Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has condemned Qatar's offer of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet for use as Air Force One, calling it “an issue of outright bribery.” In an interview with CNN, Schumer stressed the significance of the gift, labeling it likely the largest ever proposed to a sitting president. He vowed to block all Department of Justice nominee confirmations until the Trump administration addresses potential conflicts of interest surrounding the offer.

“Not only is there no free lunch, there’s no free Air Force One,” Schumer declared, demanding transparency from the White House regarding the origins and implications of the gift.

Responding to the accusations, President Donald Trump clarified on Truth Social that the jet was given to the United States Air Force and Department of Defense, not to him personally. “It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One,” Trump stated. He defended the move as a pragmatic solution amid Boeing's delayed delivery of new aircraft, highlighting the financial relief it offers taxpayers.

“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done?” Trump wrote, rejecting the bribery allegations as politically motivated.

In a Fox News interview, Trump further explained that the Qatari royal family extended the offer after learning of Boeing’s delays. While expressing disappointment with the production setbacks, Trump emphasized his continued support for Boeing, noting its vital role in the US economy. “I am not going to do anything bad to Boeing,” he stated, affirming ongoing collaboration with the aerospace giant.

The controversy underscores tensions over foreign gifts to US officials and the delicate balance between diplomatic gestures and ethical boundaries. As the debate intensifies, scrutiny over the administration's handling of the Qatar jet offer is expected to grow.