Schumer Plans Hold on Justice Department Nominees Over Trump’s Qatar Jet Deal
WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to block all Justice Department political appointees awaiting Senate confirmation, demanding clarity on President Donald Trump’s acceptance of a luxury airliner from Qatar, valued at up to $500 million, intended to serve as Air Force One.
Schumer’s move comes amidst bipartisan criticism, as he terms the deal "naked corruption" and a "grave national security threat." He is set to address the Senate floor, calling for an investigation into potential influences from Qatari agents in the U.S. that could impact Trump or his family’s business interests. Additionally, he seeks information on the jet’s security features and its implications for future contracts with Boeing.
Central to Schumer’s concerns is Attorney General Pam Bondi’s approval of the gift. He demands her testimony before Congress to clarify how such a foreign gift aligns with constitutional and ethical standards requiring Congressional approval.
Currently, three Justice Department nominees await Senate votes, but Schumer’s action could extend to many others, including U.S. attorneys and marshals. While placing a hold does not permanently block confirmations, it complicates the process, drawing attention to ongoing Democratic delays in approving Trump’s nominees.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized this rampant obstruction, urging cooperation to expedite nominee confirmations. He indicated that Republicans are prepared to pursue alternative methods, including late-night or weekend sessions, to ensure the president’s selections are approved, asserting that they "will get the president’s team in place."
As this political showdown unfolds, the implications for the Justice Department and the administration at large loom large, reflecting the heightened tensions in an already polarized Senate.
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