Michigan GOP Representative Approves Qatari Jet for Trump Amid Controversy
Michigan Representative Jack Bergman endorses Trump’s acceptance of a $400M jet gift from Qatar, dismissing security concerns. Critics argue it violates foreign gift laws. Meanwhile, the DeVos family reportedly plans a new political initiative, as leaders prepare for the Mackinac Policy Conference. Questions about Flint water crisis costs linger amid calls for transparency from the attorney general.
Michigan U.S. Representative Jack Bergman has expressed his approval concerning President Donald Trump’s acceptance of a lavish Boeing 747-8 jetliner as a gift from Qatar. This news comes as somewhat of a surprise given Bergman’s longstanding criticism of Qatar’s influence in the United States. “I have always considered the why they do it. But I’m not concerned about the gift of the jet,” Bergman remarked to The Detroit News.
The Boeing 747-8 luxury jet, officially accepted by the Trump administration recently, is expected to undergo extensive modification by the Air Force to be adapted for the president’s use—a process anticipated to take several years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Bergman, a retired commercial pilot and member of the House Armed Services Committee, brushed off concerns regarding potential security threats posed by the Qatari government’s gift.
His comparison, likening the situation to receiving a house, suggested safety measures can be effectively implemented. “You know what I’m gonna do? I’m gonna sweep it to make sure there’s no other devices in there,” he noted, asserting that modern technology allows for comprehensive checks of such assets.
Yet, critics argue that Trump’s acceptance of the airplane could be a breach of the Constitution, which prohibits foreign gifts to the president without congressional consent. Trump previously remarked that it would be “stupid” to refuse the jet. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to the transaction as a “donation to our country” made by Qatar’s royal family to the U.S. Air Force, emphasizing its legality.
During a recent Middle East visit, Trump announced several economic agreements, including a $10 billion investment in a U.S. military base and a $42 billion weapons purchase from the United States. Qatar Airways also pledged to buy 210 Boeing jets, totaling $96 billion. Bergman has been vocal about Qatar’s alleged ties to groups like the Taliban and Hamas, warning of the national security threats posed by foreign influence.
Contrasting Bergman’s stance, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin raised alarms over the implications of Trump using the jet as Air Force One, citing security risks when handling classified matters. She recalled being involved in a past investigation concerning gifts from Qatar, highlighting the inappropriateness of accepting a $400 million jet.
In political updates from Michigan, former House Speaker Jase Bolger hinted at potential plans by the DeVos family to create a new organization aimed at re-establishing Republican power in the state, though he neither confirmed nor denied details. Despite being questioned about the new political initiative on the WKAR program “Off The Record,” Bolger kept his cards close to his chest.
At the same time, the Michigan political scene is buzzing as the Detroit Regional Chamber prepares for its annual Mackinac Policy Conference, which kicks off Tuesday. With strong representation from Democratic candidates for governor, including Jocelyn Benson and Garlin Gilchrist, the Republican side will see figures like Mike Cox and Aric Nesbitt in attendance. Democrats vying for U.S. Senate candidacy are also gearing up, while former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, leading in the race, is expected to skip this year’s conference.
In a different arena of governance, State Rep. Jay DeBoyer is pressing Attorney General Dana Nessel for the expedited release of Flint water litigation costs. Nessel’s office has come under scrutiny following a recent release of invoices from the former AG Bill Schuette’s tenure. DeBoyer accused Nessel’s office of withholding pertinent information, suggesting they were focused on irrelevant documentation.
Although Nessel asserts she is working on compiling the comprehensive documents, revealing details about costs associated with the Flint water crisis may take longer than anticipated. She has pointed out that approximately $448 million had already been documented as spent by May 2023. Despite the frustrations, she continues to face a legal challenge involving the prosecution of several officials connected to the crisis.
In summary, various political and legal issues have emerged in Michigan, from the acceptance of a gifted jet by President Trump which some fear breaches constitutional guidelines, to the DeVos family’s plans to boost Republican support ahead of the 2026 elections. Meanwhile, ongoing scrutiny exists regarding Flint’s water crisis as House Oversight seeks accountability on legal expenses. The political landscape remains dynamic, especially with upcoming conferences and election preparations.
Original Source: www.detroitnews.com
