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In the intricate game of political chess, former President Trump has once again orchestrated a move designed to evade accountability, this time by seemingly delegating his responsibilities to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The latest controversy revolves around a $400 million aircraft gifted by Qatar, raising eyebrows and legal questions alike.
House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin has formally alerted Hegseth that accepting this luxury plane may violate U.S. law. In a letter, Raskin pointedly remarked:
“Your adeptness at persuading a foreign government into making what can only be described as an unconstitutional gift has not gone unnoticed. Consequently, you have been assigned the task of officially receiving this ‘flying palace’ from the Qatari royals.”
Moreover, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense confirmed: “The Secretary of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar.”
This acknowledgment places you in direct violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. Accepting such a grand gift from a foreign monarchy is just as unconstitutional for you, as it would be for President Trump himself. Additionally, you are in breach of the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act.
This legislation permits U.S. officials to accept gifts valued at up to $480, a far cry from the price tag of a $400 million aircraft. It also explicitly prohibits government employees, including yourself, from “requesting or encouraging” such gifts—which, according to allegations, is precisely what you did, alongside Ambassador Witkoff.
Further complicating matters for you, the Act empowers the Attorney General to pursue civil action against any employee who knowingly solicits or accepts a gift from a foreign government that falls outside the legal framework. This “gift” clearly strays from those parameters, allowing for penalties that could amount to the retail value of the plane plus an additional $5,000.
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