First, Senate Majority Chuck Schumer is vehemently against former President Donald Trump’s acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar. He terms it a major national security threat and as an example of “naked corruption.” Yesterday, Schumer announced that he will block all nominees to the Department of Justice (DOJ). He’s calling for firm answers from Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the proposed exchange of the private 747 jet Trump has dubbed a “very nice gesture” to eventually serve as Air Force One.
A scandal ensued when it was revealed that Qatar tried to gift Trump a golden jet. This deal was supposed to be to replace the current official presidential plane. Schumer insists that this arrangement contravenes the Constitution’s foreign emoluments clause, which prohibits presidents from accepting gifts from foreign entities without congressional approval. He emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, “This is not just naked corruption, it is a grave national security threat.”
To get to the bottom of it, Schumer has demanded Attorney General Bondi testify before Congress. He expressed his determination, saying, “Until the Attorney General explains her blatantly inept decision, and we get complete and comprehensive answers to these and other questions, I will place a hold on all political nominees to the Department of Justice.”
Senator Ted Cruz, an original opponent of the Qatari jet deal, has been a consistent voice on the security ramifications of the deal. He raised the specter of espionage, surveillance and other nefarious activities. Cruz’s apprehensions are echoed by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who criticized Trump’s actions, stating, “If you want President Trump to succeed, this kind of skeezy stuff needs to stop.”
Trump’s acceptance of the jet also comes just after his announcement that he will be lifting all sanctions on Syria. This series of moves has been roundly criticized from all sides of the aisle. Schumer remarked that Trump’s decision was “so corrupt that even [Russian President Vladimir] Putin would give a double take.” He also forced the Trump administration to provide straightforward answers. He was concerned about how the acceptance of such a gift does not contravene constitutional prohibitions against gifts.
Despite Schumer’s efforts to block the DOJ nominees, experts suggest that while this move could delay the nomination process, it is unlikely to prevent it from ultimately proceeding. As the debates continue to swirl around Trump’s unprecedented, unconstitutional business dealings with foreign states. What everyone should be watching is how the former president and current administration are held accountable.