News: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is placing holds on all Justice Department political appointees in response to President Donald Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family.
It’s the first time Schumer has ever placed a blanket hold on a set of presidential nominees, as Democrats go all-in to raise alarm about what they say is an unconstitutional arrangement between Trump and Qatar.
Senate Republicans were reluctant to defend Trump Monday on the issue. But only a few expressed concern, even as they appeared uncomfortable answering questions about the unprecedented gift.
Schumer’s escalation: The New York Democrat is expected to announce the move in his floor remarks later this morning. Schumer will also call on DOJ’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) unit to “disclose all activities by Qatari foreign agents inside the U.S. that could benefit” Trump or his business interests.
Schumer is questioning the specifics of the arrangement, including what a new Air Force One plane means for the existing Boeing contract. Schumer is also demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi testify to explain her legal signoff. Bondi served as a registered lobbyist for the Qatari government.
“Until the American people learn the truth about this deal, I will do my part to block the galling and truly breathtaking politicization at the Department of Justice,” Schumer will say today on the Senate floor.
Schumer has limited authority to challenge Trump on this while Democrats are out of power. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is vowing to force votes to block weapons sales to Qatar, as we scooped. But even this is unlikely to have a tangible impact.
While Schumer’s holds apply to dozens of nominees, there aren’t very many — if any — Trump nominees being fast-tracked through the chamber these days anyway.
A squeamish GOP: Several Republicans declined to directly comment on the jet arrangement, saying they didn’t have enough information. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso referred to it as “rumors,” while Majority Leader John Thune called it a “hypothetical.”
“I don’t know enough about it yet,” Thune said. “I’m sure, if and when we have more information, we’ll sort all that out.”
Just a few hours earlier, Trump was visibly irritated at reporters’ questions about the arrangement. “They’re giving us a free jet,” Trump said, adding he’d be “stupid” not to take it.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) nodded to concerns about properly outfitting a foreign-owned plane with sensitive U.S. government communications equipment. Tillis said he’d want to “put it through its paces several times before it becomes the primary means of transport for the president.”
Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.) was the only Republican we spoke to who criticized the move, saying Trump shouldn’t accept the jet.
“I don’t think it looks good or smells good,” Paul added.
