Rand Paul Urges Trump to Reject Plane from Qatar: ‘It’s a Mistake’
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) added his name to the growing list of political figures, including conservatives, who are urging President Donald Trump not to accept a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari government as a gift.
Trump said he will accept a Boeing 747-8 known as the “Flying Palace” from the Qatari royal family, adding that the jet will serve as Air Force One. However, his yet-to-be-built presidential library will keep the aircraft when he leaves office. The president, who lashed out at critics over his decision to accept the plane despite the bright-red ethical flags, claims he will not use it after his presidency.
The president and his family business, the Trump Organization, have done business in Qatar. Just last month, Eric Trump visited the capital of Doha to speak with officials about building a new $5.5 billion golf club in the country. His father will visit Qatar this week after a stop in Saudi Arabia.
On Monday’s Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News, Paul was asked for his reaction.
“Qatar just made Trump an offer he can’t refuse,” Jesse Watters said. “A $400 million Air Force One replacement because Boeing didn’t deliver their jet on time. Trump can ride it until his term is up. Democrats are calling this a bribe, but [Attorney General] Pam Bondi says it’s legal as long as he transfers the jet to his library and eventually switches back to Trump Force One. He says only a stupid person would not take the deal.”
Paul responded by saying Trump should decline the gift.
“The constitution in Article II talks about the president can’t take emoluments or gifts from foreign leaders,” the senator said. “And so, there is a provision in the Constitution that says you can’t do this. And so, the question is, can you do it only if it’s only for official purposes?”
He went on to say that “it’s not worth the appearance of impropriety, whether it’s improper or not.”
“So, if Qatar does give it to him and he says, ‘Hey, Rand, you wanna hop on the jet down to Palm Beach, you’ll say, ‘No’?” Watters replied.
The senator dodged the question before reiterating, “I think it’s a mistake, and it’s just bringing up something he doesn’t need.”
Watch above via Fox News.
