Rand Paul Pans ‘Luxury Jet’ From Qatar, Says Trump Should Reject It

President Donald Trump’s consideration of a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft offered by the Qatari government has raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill, with prominent conservatives voicing national security and ethical concerns. Among them is Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has long been critical of Qatar’s track record on human rights.

“I’ve spent time trying not to sell weapons to Qatar because they have human rights violations of their people,” Sen. Paul said during an appearance on Fox News with Jesse Watters. “I really haven’t been a big fan, and I wonder if our ability to judge their human rights record would be clouded by the fact of this large gift.” He added pointedly, “I wouldn’t take it. That’s just me.”

The aircraft, if accepted, would ultimately be housed at President Trump’s future presidential library after its use as a replacement for the aging Air Force One fleet. Boeing currently holds a contract with the U.S. government to build new Air Force One jets, but the project has faced repeated delays.

President Trump, currently visiting Qatar, defended the idea of accepting the aircraft, framing it as a practical solution in light of aging U.S. executive planes.

“I could be a stupid person and say, ‘Oh no, we don’t want a free plane.’ We give free things out, we’ll take one too. And, it helps us out because … we have 40-year-old aircraft,” the President stated Monday. “So, I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar, I appreciate it very much. I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,’ but I thought it was a great gesture.”

Despite the President’s reasoning, security professionals have issued cautionary warnings. Accepting a high-tech jet from a foreign nation known to have ties to radical organizations introduces complex risks. Intelligence agencies including the CIA, FBI, and Department of Defense would need to thoroughly inspect the plane to ensure it is free from surveillance equipment or sabotage that could compromise national security.

Concerns over the Qatari gift are not isolated to Sen. Paul. Other Republican lawmakers are voicing skepticism, citing both security and political implications.

“I’m not flying on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a vocal Trump ally. “I don’t know how you make it safe.”

Scott continued, “Gosh, let me give you a plane. I mean, that seems pretty nice, but they support Hamas, so I don’t know. I don’t know how you make it safe.” Though he stopped short of telling the President what to do, Scott made his stance clear: “I don’t want the president of the United States flying on an unsafe plane.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged Boeing’s delays but remained cautious about endorsing a foreign alternative.

“I understand his frustration. They’re way behind schedule on delivering the next Air Force One,” Thune told The Hill. “Whether or not this is the right solution … I don’t know.”

Predictably, Democrats pounced on the situation, with some accusing President Trump of unethical behavior and invoking the Emoluments Clause. They claim that accepting the aircraft without congressional approval constitutes a violation of constitutional boundaries.

“It’s inappropriate. It’s unconstitutional,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “It sends the very worst message to Americans about being in office to enrich himself instead of being focused on what’s in the best interest of the country.”

Sen. Paul, while measured in his approach, remained firm in his personal opposition. “I don’t think it’s worth it,” he told Watters, emphasizing that even the appearance of impropriety should be avoided. “Whether it’s improper or not … I don’t think it’s worth it,” he said, adding that he would likely decline a ride on the aircraft even if invited by the President.

As the debate continues, President Trump remains resolute in his belief that accepting the aircraft is both practical and symbolic of strategic partnership — a move that, despite the controversy, aligns with his broader commitment to American strength and executive efficiency.