Senate Democrats are moving to force a vote opposing President Donald Trump’s reported plan to accept a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar's royal family for use as the new Air Force One. The arrangement would transfer ownership of the plane to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation in 2029, after Trump’s second term ends.

Senators Brian Schatz, Chris Murphy, Cory Booker, and Chris Coons emphasized constitutional concerns, stating, “The Constitution is clear: elected officials, like the president, cannot accept large gifts from foreign governments without consent from Congress. Air Force One is more than just a plane — it's a symbol of the presidency and of the United States itself.”

The Democratic senators announced their intent to seek a Senate vote reaffirming that public service must not be exploited for personal gain through foreign gifts. They stressed the need to uphold basic ethical standards, framing the issue as a matter of national principle.

Republican senators have also expressed skepticism about the proposed deal. Senator Rick Scott voiced distrust toward a Qatari plane due to the country's alleged ties to Hamas. Senator Rand Paul warned of potential constitutional violations, adding that the optics of the deal are problematic. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Susan Collins also questioned the legality and security implications of accepting such a gift from a foreign government.

This bipartisan concern underscores the political sensitivity of foreign gifts to US officials, especially those of significant monetary and symbolic value. The debate centers on safeguarding American institutions from undue foreign influence and ensuring transparency in government dealings.

As both Democratic and Republican lawmakers raise alarms, the proposed Senate resolution seeks to reinforce Congress's constitutional role in approving foreign gifts to US officials, reaffirming the principle that no one should leverage public office for personal enrichment through international offerings.