Congressional concerns

Congressional concerns

After news of the proposed gift came out, Democratic congressional leaders blasted the idea, with some calling the proposed gift "unconstitutional" and "a bribe."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to put a hold on Trump's judicial nominees and sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi that sought answers to the gift, including security questions.

Sen. Adam Schiff D-Calif, also requested the Defense Department's inspector general to probe the agency's role in "facilitating and serving as a pass-through" in the proposed gift.

While Republicans were not as vocal, many notably said they had questions over the deal.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune holds his weekly press conference following the Republican caucus policy luncheon at Capitol in Washington, May 13, 2025.
Nathan Howard/Reuters

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, called the gift a "hypothetical" but did acknowledge the concerns over its legality and safety.

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis also said there would be "plenty of scrutiny" over the gift.

"There are lots of -- lots of issues around that that I think will attract very serious questions if and when it happens," Tillis told reporters Tuesday.

Asked about the constitutionality of Trump accepting the plane as a gift Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said. "Clearly, I think the intent of the emoluments clause is that you don't get personal gifts for personal use and all of that."

"It's a gift to the United States and other nations give us gifts all the time, but I am going to leave it to the administration. They know much more about the details. Okay, it's not my lane," Johnson said Wednesday, adding that Trump was not trying to conceal anything.

Tillipman and Weiner said the continued pressure from the public will be the true test.

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