Trump family business ties raise ethical concerns ahead of Middle East trip

President Trump is defending a plan to accept a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar as a gift to the U.S

government, one that could eventually end up in his presidential library. It's a move drawing sharp criticism from both parties and raising constitutional questions

The aircraft, once used by the Qatari government, is reportedly being offered as a temporary

replacement for Air Force One. A Florida-based defense contractor is already outfitting the jet

with secure communications and presidential upgrades. But legal experts and lawmakers say

that kind of gift from a foreign government requires congressional approval under the

Constitution's Emoluments Clause. Representative Jamie Raskin and Senator Chris Murphy say it's not

just a technical violation, it's part of a broader pattern, arguing foreign governments may be trying

to influence U.S. policy by aligning with Trump's business and political interest

Even some of Trump's most loyal supporters are pushing back. Far-right activist Laura Loomer, who once said she'd take a bullet for Trump

called the $400 million aircraft a gift from jihadists and suits. She warned the deal could compromise national security and expose deeper foreign lobbying risks

Qatar's embassy says no decision has been finalized. Both countries are still reviewing the terms

It's not the only Gulf connection under the spotlight. Trump's sons and close advisors are rolling out a wave of new business ventures across the region

In the past year, Trump-branded towers were announced in Dubai and Jeddah

Eric Trump recently announced a luxury golf resort at a government development in Qatar He says more projects are in the pipeline for Riyadh and Abu Dhabi At the same time Gulf sovereign wealth funds have poured billions into ventures tied to the

Trump family and its allies. Jared Kushner's private equity fund, Affinity Partners, has taken

in over $3.5 billion from Saudi, Emirati and Qatari funds. A regulatory filing this spring

showed its total assets jumped to $4.8 billion, boosted by a $1.5 billion injection from Abu Dhabi

and Qatar. A separate company, World Liberty Financial, tied to Trump's crypto interest

issued a UAE-backed stablecoin. $2 billion worth was invested in Binance, and because of how

stablecoins work, that could yield tens of millions annually in profit as long as the tokens stay in

circulation. Eric Trump is on the board. The president is listed as the company's chief

crypto advocate. All of this is unfolding as the administration negotiates defense

AI and infrastructure deals with the very same countries. Saudi Arabia has pledged $600 billion

in U.S. investment and the UAE has pledged $1.4 trillion over the next decade

Experts say Gulf leaders are pursuing these ties not just for economics

but to build influence in Washington. Critics argue that the overlap between public policy and private profit

is unlike anything seen from a sitting U.S. president. The White House says the president complies with all laws and acts in the nation's best interests

But with foreign investments flowing in and a Qatari jet possibly flying out

questions about influence, access and accountability aren't going anywhere. For more of our unbiased straight fact reporting

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