WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President Trump announced that he would accept a luxury plane as a gift from the Qatari royal family to be used as Air Force One, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“For President Trump to even consider accepting a luxury plane as a gift from Qatar, a foreign government with its own strategic interests, is an appalling breach of ethical standards. Such a gesture represents a blatant conflict of interest and undermines the integrity of American leadership. The President would also be in clear violation of the Emoluments Clause, a provision in the U.S. Constitution that prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts or financial benefits from any foreign state without the consent of Congress.

“Even more alarming is the suggestion that this aircraft could be used as Air Force One, which would pose immense counterintelligence risks by granting a foreign nation potential access to sensitive systems and communications. This reckless disregard for national security and diplomatic propriety signals a dangerous willingness to barter American interests for personal gain. It is an affront to the office of the presidency and a betrayal of the trust placed in any U.S. leader to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.”