“Flying Grift”: Ritchie Torres Demands Probe into Trump’s $400M Qatar Jet Deal as Potential Violation of U.S. Ethics Laws

 

Donald Trump faces severe backlash as Congressman Ritchie Torres calls for an investigation into his controversial deal to accept a luxury jet from the government of Qatar, which he describes as a "flying grift." This is an example of how blatant corruption should be addressed.

The plane, valued at an estimated $400 million, would be the most expensive gift ever given to a U.S. president by a foreign government. In a letter to the Government Accountability Office, the Defense Department’s acting inspector general, and the Office of Government Ethics, Torres described the jet as a "palace in the sky" and warned that it constitutes an inappropriate and unethical gift, aimed at gaining favor and influencing American foreign policy.

Trump reportedly plans to use the jet as his personal Air Force One, and once out of office, he intends to keep it for personal use—making this arrangement a clear case of bribery. Qatar is offering this jet to Trump as a means of securing his favor and advancing their interests at the expense of American policy. Torres emphasizes that this "flying gift" is in violation of the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which forbids public officials from accepting gifts or favors from foreign governments.

Torres also criticized the Department of Justice for allowing the transaction to proceed, stating that the Attorney General has effectively sanctioned a clear breach of both the letter and spirit of the Constitution. He reminded that no one, including the president, is above the law.

This "flying gift" is just the latest chapter in Trump’s history of presidential profiteering. Torres pointed to the Trump administration's repeated use of the White House for personal financial gain, including selling access to the highest bidder. Furthermore, reports suggest a foreign government has agreed to use Trump’s family’s digital currency in a $2 billion transaction, further enriching the Trump family at the expense of investors.

Torres is demanding an immediate ethics review of the jet deal and a formal opinion on whether it violates federal ethics regulations and the Emoluments Clause.