Clinton Criticizes Trump Acceptance of $400M Qatar Jet Gift

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized President Donald Trump's acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet gifted by Qatar, warning that such a lavish gift would come with expectations in return and raising concerns about potential influence over U.S. foreign policy. Clinton and other critics, including Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, questioned the ethics and constitutionality of the gift, citing the U.S. Constitution’s emoluments clause, while Qatari officials denied any expectation of quid pro quo. The Trump administration maintains the gift is legal and plans to transfer ownership of the jet to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation before Trump leaves office, with the plane initially modified and used by the U.S. Air Force. Trump dismissed critics, calling those opposing the gift "stupid," and suggested the jet was a fair compensation for U.S. efforts in the Middle East. The controversy has sparked debate from both Democrats and Republicans, reflecting concerns about foreign influence and the propriety of accepting such a valuable gift during a president's term. Meanwhile, some commentators defended Trump’s actions, while others condemned Clinton’s remarks as lacking self-awareness.