President Trump plans to accept a luxury jet from Qatar, facing bipartisan criticism. He claims it’s a smart fiscal move. Allies and Democrats argue it’s unethical. Meanwhile, U.S.-China trade relations see a temporary truce, amidst various health cuts and refugee news from South Africa.
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump is looking to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family during an upcoming trip to the Middle East. This decision has raised eyebrows among both allies and rivals. American officials have indicated that the aircraft might be repurposed as a temporary presidential plane. However, the Qatari government states that nothing is finalized yet, according to reports by the Associated Press.
Trump, however, argues that this gift, which would replace the aging Air Force One, is a smart fiscal choice. He took to social media to voice his defense, saying, “So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE… bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anyone can do that!” This suggests that he perceives the gift as an opportunity for the government.
ABC News sources mentioned that Trump would utilize this jet until he leaves office in January 2029, with plans for the ownership to shift to the foundation for his upcoming presidential library. During his trip, he’s also set to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, marking the first lengthy international journey of his second term.
On the other side of the political spectrum, notable critiques have emerged. Far-right ally Laura Loomer characterized the acceptance of the plane as a “stain” on Trump’s administration, especially given Qatar’s alleged support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah that the U.S. has conflicts with. Democratic leaders similarly condemned the plan, labeling it as “corruption in plain sight” and asserting that it indicated Trump was exploiting his presidential powers for personal benefits.
In related news, a temporary ceasefire agreement has been reached between China and the U.S., providing a 90-day pause in their escalating trade war. This pause is aimed at lowering tariffs and, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted, both parties have expressed a desire not to sever economic ties.
Noteworthy updates include Hamas announcing the release of Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza. Donald Trump confirmed this on social media, expressing gratitude to the mediators who aided in this outcome.
In an unusual first, a group of 49 white South Africans have arrived in the U.S. under a new refugee status program initiated by the Trump administration, an action taken after allegations of discrimination against white Afrikaners in South Africa emerged.
On the domestic front, drastic cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services have spurred concerns about the negative impact on public health programs and potential disease outbreaks, according to former department workers. HHS is now led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and critics warn that such sweeping reductions could create serious public health risks.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to limit flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport for several weeks due to operational challenges, including a shortage of air traffic controllers. The airport has been grappling with radar outages and frequent delays.
Lastly, a group of Quakers embarked on a 300-mile march from New York City to Washington D.C. to protest the Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies. Their demonstration aims to exhibit support for targeted migrant communities. Meanwhile, Trump has announced an executive order to significantly reduce prescription drug prices, aligning them with those of other high-income countries — though further details on the implementation remain scant.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
