Sen Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump‘s use of a Qatari-donated jet, labeling it a serious national security threat and a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Schumer took to X on Thursday and described the situation as “Trump’s shameless self-enrichment” that has turned into a “serious national security threat.” Schumer further highlighted the financial implications, stating that Trump’s “rampant, reckless,” corruption came at a “real cost to our safety” and American taxpayers’ money.
Trump’s shameless self-enrichment has turned into a serious national security threat. His rampant, reckless, and rotten corruption comes at a real cost to our safety and Americans’ bank accounts.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 9, 2026
A year ago, I warned that this $400 million Qatari jet was not simply the largest,… https://t.co/Rl9rUlQ0JV
He also mentioned the Presidential Airlift Security Act, legislation he introduced to prohibit the use of any foreign plane as Air Force One. Schumer criticized Republicans for refusing to support the bill and allowing nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to be wasted on retrofitting and operating the luxury jet.
“When the Senate returns, we must pass the Presidential Airlift Security Act and ensure that not another cent goes toward maintaining Trump’s national security nightmare,” wrote Schumer.
Furthermore, other lawmakers have also criticized Trump’s use of the Qatari jet. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have previously slammed Trump for his extravagant use of the jet, with Newsom even dubbing it “Air Fraud One”.
Secret Service Flags New Jet
Schumer’s post comes amid growing questions about the security of Trump’s new plane. On Wednesday, the Secret Service reportedly advised Trump to use the old Air Force One instead of the new Qatari-donated jet while returning from the NATO summit in Turkey.
Trump briefly switched to an older Air Force One when departing the NATO summit in Turkey before returning to the retrofitted Qatari-gifted aircraft after arriving in the United Kingdom later that day.
The White House told CBS News that the new Air Force One has advanced security features, but the Secret Service reportedly recommended using the older aircraft because it has more secure communications and military defenses. Officials also told the publication that the Qatari-donated plane was rushed into service and lacks some desired capabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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