The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for May 13, 2025
Special Note from the Host: You may notice some slurring of my speech during this and upcoming reports. May 9th, I suffered an attack of Bell’s Palsy which has affected the right side of my face and impacts my speech. This is being treated, and recovery is expected with 2-3 weeks of steroid treatments. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
President Donald Trump appears poised to accept a gift of a $400 million dollar super luxury Boeing 747 from the Qatar royal family for use as Trump’s Air Force One. The potential gift is raising questions of potential corruption under the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, and a potential security risk.
Trump apparently toured the 13-year-old 747 when it was parked at Palm Beach, Florida’s airport in February, according to ABC News. Dubbed a “flying palace”, the plane would replace one of two 1990 planes currently used as Air Force One.
The terms of the gift call for the Qatari plane to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force, be refit, and be used by Trump for the remainder of his term. In January 2029, the plane would be turned over to Trump’s presidential library foundation for his post-presidency use.
The emoluments clause states, “And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an opinion that the gift did not violate the clause. Open Secrets reports that for 2018 through 2024, Bondi’s lobbying firm was paid over $3.4 million dollars by the Qatari government.
We’ve linked to more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Congress – U.S. Constitution’s Emolument’s Clause
ABC News – Trump administration poised to accept ‘palace in the sky’ as a gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources
President Donald Trump – Post on Truth Social defending the gift
CNN – Boeing now plans to deliver new Air Force One jets in 2027, before Trump leaves office
Open Secrets – Lobbying expenditures by Qatar government, including by Pam Bondi’s former lobbying firm, Ballard Partners
The Independent – Qatar pushes back on reports of $400M Boeing jet gift to Trump
Groups Taking Action:
American Promise, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Brennan Center for Justice
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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