Republican Senator Collins Warns of Espionage Risks in Trump’s Acceptance of Qatar Jet

Republican Senator Susan Collins has voiced concerns over former President Donald Trump’s decision to accept a $400 million jet from the royal family of Qatar, warning that the move could pose serious national security risks.

Collins, a senior lawmaker with experience in intelligence oversight, emphasized that the jet should undergo thorough inspections to rule out potential surveillance devices before being used for official government purposes. She also questioned the legality of accepting such a substantial gift from a foreign government, raising potential conflicts with federal regulations, including the Emoluments Clause.

Trump defended the deal, stating that the jet would eventually be transferred to his presidential library foundation after his tenure in office. However, the decision has sparked bipartisan criticism, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blocking Department of Justice nominees in protest.

National security experts remain skeptical about whether the aircraft can be adequately retrofitted to meet presidential security standards in time for operational use. Some Republican lawmakers, including Senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul, have also urged Trump to reconsider the offer, citing concerns over foreign influence and espionage risks.