Washington, DC - Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced legislation to prohibit President Donald J. Trump, or any future president, from accepting a luxury aircraft reportedly offered by the government of Qatar. The bill aims to uphold constitutional safeguards against undue foreign influence. The legislation makes clear that such a gift is unacceptable, whether intended for his personal use, while in or out of office, or as a donation to the Trump Presidential Library. The bill reinforces long-standing constitutional principles that prohibit presidents from accepting gifts or titles from foreign governments without congressional consent. It also addresses a broader concern over foreign influence and the erosion of ethical norms surrounding the conduct of the president of the United States. 

A PDF of the legislation is available here.

“This is not just about one plane or one president, it's about drawing a firm line against the appearance—or reality—of foreign governments currying favor by providing a free luxury jet to the President of the United States. Beyond the clear corruption and influence peddling on display, retrofitting this luxury plane to serve as Air Force 1 would be an enormous expense on U.S. taxpayers – estimated as much as $1 billion dollars - and would likely only be completed in time to be placed in Trump’s Presidential Library. Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for Trump’s personal palace in the sky, especially as this administration cuts vital programs in the name of cost-cutting and asks American families to face the consequences of his trade war.  

“Our national interest must never take a back seat to personal indulgence or foreign flattery. This legislation is a clear statement that the integrity of our democracy is not for sale—on the runway or anywhere else.”