US President Donald Trump has announced he will be accepting a $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family in the form of a luxury aeroplane, which would serve as Air Force One.
News of the offer drew immediate criticism from Democrats and advocates of good government, who warned it was a conflict of interest that could influence presidential decisions.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that President Trump’s plan to accept Qatar’s donation of a 747 “is not just naked corruption, it is also a grave national security threat.”
Schumer wants the US Department of Justice to investigate whether Qatari foreign agents in the US could benefit Trump or his business. He also wants to know how security measures will be built into the plane and how it will be paid for.
The holds means the Senate can’t quickly confirm any Justice nominations, such as US attorneys, which are often approved by voice vote.
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