‘Corruption’ vs. ‘art of the deal.’ What KY politicians thinks of Qatar plane gift
President Donald Trump has said he’d be open to accepting a $400 million gifted airplane from the Qatari royal family to use as Air Force One.
The suggestion, first floated earlier this week, has stirred alarm among Democrats and ethics watchdogs and even some disquiet among fellow Republicans, who have mostly been in lockstep with Trump’s wishes this year.
Detractors argue the plane could represent an attempt at influencing U.S. foreign policy to benefit Qatar, a small but oil-rich Middle Eastern nation not without its controversies.
Previous criticisms of the country have centered around its financial support for Hamas, a militant Palestinian group that orchestrated the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
There is also the issue of retrofitting the plane, a process that could take years and would be very costly.
Trump himself has passionately defended the idea, pointing out that the gift would be to the Department of Defense, though he is expected to transfer it to his presidential museum foundation after leaving office.
“The fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE … so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane.” Trump posted on social media earlier this week.
The responses from the Kentucky delegation in Washington run the gamut from full support to neutrality to stark criticism.
Rand Paul doesn’t like ‘appearance’
Sen. Rand Paul has said in media appearances that he hopes Trump rejects the gift due to its appearance.
Appearing on the conservative network Newsmax, he pointed to constitutional limits on accepting gifts unless approved by Congress.
“I don’t know how you get around that,” Paul said.
In a Fox News interview, Paul said he thinks the gift would send “the wrong signal to people.”
“I don’t like the look or the appearance, so I would hope he rejects it.”
Andy Barr: Art of the deal on display
Rep. Andy Barr, who represents Lexington and the surrounding areas, framed Trump’s statements as smart deal-making.
He pointed to the delays of aircraft company Boeing in delivering new 747 planes that were ordered during Trump’s first term.
“This is the art of the deal. President Trump is putting pressure on Boeing to end the delays and finish the Air Force One,” Barr said in a statement to the Herald-Leader. “What’s more important for our national security is that the Middle East is shifting from chaos and war under Biden to a path of peace and prosperity under President Trump.”
Barr is running for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacant in 2026 when Sen. Mitch McConnell will not run for reelection.
Trump has yet to weigh in on who he will support — Barr, former attorney general Daniel Cameron or another candidate not yet in the race — but his endorsement is seen as a decisive factor in deciding who will earn the GOP nomination.
James Comer says proposal ‘not final’
James Comer, who represents much of Western Kentucky, South Central and parts of Central Kentucky in his 1st Congressional District, highlighted that the gifting of the plane was still just an idea, not yet a reality.
“The proposal to transfer custody of a Qatari plane to the U.S. for official use is not final, and the administration has pledged to ensure transparency in any such agreement,” Comer said in a statement to the Herald-Leader. “I firmly believe Air Force One should be built in America and delivered on time, as promised. I support President Trump and his administration’s efforts to make American manufacturing great again.”
Comer raised his name ID in Washington and Kentucky significantly acting as an ethics hound covering the family of former President Joe Biden, particularly his son Hunter. Comer chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and wrote a book on the Bidens.
The congressman’s comments hammered home a point he’s made previously when asked about the business practices of the Trump family that many have criticized for capitalizing on Trump’s position.
“I’m not worried about anything the Trumps are doing,” Comer told Washington outlet NOTUS. “I want you to write this down: I’m not worried about anything the Trumps are doing business-wise, because they’re being transparent. Unlike the Bidens.”
Morgan McGarvey concerned about corruption
Rep. Morgan McGarvey, the lone Democrat of Kentucky’s eight members of Congress, really doesn’t like the idea.
“While Trump is globetrotting to secure a new luxury jet, it’s people back home who are already paying the price,” McGarvey said in a statement to the Herald-Leader.
McGarvey has previously been critical of Trump’s economic policies, namely tariffs that have caused the stock market to oscillate from historic highs to alarming lows.
A McGarvey aide also shared that he believes the Qatari plane deal would violate the constitution, “reeks of corruption,” and is concerned by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s role in the deal given that she previously had a lucrative lobbying contract with the Qatari government.
Hal Rogers more concerned with budget
Rep. Hal Rogers, who represents Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District, didn’t express worry over the proposed gift and said his sights were elsewhere.
“I’m more concerned with working through the federal budget for 2026. However, President Trump has been very open about the proposed gift to the U.S. Department of Defense and has committed to be transparent about the details. The current plan to replace the aging Air Force One planes is long overdue and expensive,” Rogers said in a statement provided to the Herald-Leader.
Rogers added that his primary concern would be making sure the appropriate security modifications are taken.
In his 44 years of service to his Eastern and Southern Kentucky district, Rogers has gained a reputation for playing close attention to appropriations that could help his home district. It’s earned him the nickname “Prince of Pork.”
Spokespeople for Sen. Mitch McConnell as well as representatives Thomas Massie and Brett Guthrie did not respond to Herald-Leader requests for comment on the matter by Thursday evening.
This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 4:43 PM.
