A number of Democratic senators are questioning Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth over President Trump’s acceptance of a jet from Qatar, stressing in a letter the nationwide safety dangers and counterintelligence issues inherent in such a transaction.
“The American people deserve to understand this administration’s plans for securing this aircraft, the vulnerabilities its use will present to our national security and the price tag they will be asked to pay for President Trump’s decision to integrate this aircraft into our most sensitive fleet,” the group of lawmakers, led by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Unwell.) wrote within the letter dated Could 14.
Earlier this week, Trump stated he would settle for a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari authorities. The plane could be obtained by the Protection Division in what the president described as a “very public and transparent transaction.”
However the transfer has been met with criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
Democrats, within the letter, deemed it “unconstitutional” and expressed issues about threats to the president’s security. The group of lawmakers argued it “provides a dangerous opportunity to exploit for foreign intelligence agencies and adversaries seeking to do harm to the United States.”
“An unsecure and unprotected Air Force One presents clear dangers to our national security,” the lawmakers continued.
GOP lawmakers together with Sens. Todd Younger (Ind.) and Ted Cruz (Texas) additionally expressed discomfort concerning the jet, reiterating Democrats’ issues concerning the nation’s safety.
“I’m not comfortable accepting it,” Younger stated this week. “I feel there are nationwide safety issues that should be addressed about listening gadgets, security specs and probably different points.
Wednesday’s letter from Democrats, together with Sens. Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Adam Schiff (Calif.) Chris Van Hollen (Md.) Dick Durbin (Unwell.), Elissa Slotkin (Mich.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Michael Bennet (Colo.) and Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), additionally highlighted worries about “waste, fraud and abuse,” which the president has sought to rid from the federal government by means of sweeping cuts and reforms headed by the Division of Authorities Effectivity.
“Experts estimate that upgrading this unvetted aircraft to meet essential security specifications could cost upwards of $1 billion. President Trump is claiming that this “gift” of an plane price $400 million is saving taxpayers cash, however in actuality, his determination will drive taxpayers to foot an pointless invoice,” the senators wrote.
“This administration has been vocal about its commitment to efficiency and cost-savings in the federal government,” the lawmakers continued. “However spending taxpayer cash on efforts to improve this Qatari jet – when the President at present travels securely – is pointless and wasteful. ”
Angus King (I-Maine), an unbiased who caucuses with Democrats, additionally signed on to the letter, which asks Hegseth to answer a handful of questions concerning the jet by June 1.
Some lawmakers and officers have additionally expressed moral issues concerning the jet, citing Trump’s enterprise pursuits within the area in addition to different administration’s officers’ Qatari ties.
The uproar over the plane comes as Trump visits the Center East in his second go to overseas since returning to the White Home.
The president has touted funding within the area, together with Qatar Airways signing an settlement to buy 160 jets from Boeing, a $600 billion Saudi funding dedication and a multibillion-dollar protection partnership with Saudi Arabia.
The Hill has reached out to the Protection Division and White Home for remark.
