The Trump administration plans to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 plane as a donation from the Qatari royal family that will be upgraded to serve as Air Force One, in possibly the biggest foreign gift ever received by the U.S. government, four people with knowledge of the matter said. The plane will then be donated to President Trump’s presidential library when he leaves office, two senior officials said. Democratic lawmakers and good government groups expressed concern over the conflicts the proposal presents. The plan raises substantial ethical issues, given the immense value of the lavishly appointed plane and Mr. Trump’s intention to use it after he leaves office. Sold new, a commercial Boeing 747-8 costs in the range of $400 million.

A level of blatant corruption unseen in generations.

  • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.world
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    7 hours ago

    That thing has to be like 25% listening devices by weight. Maybe a couple remote kill switches too.

  • Imgonnatrythis@sh.itjust.works
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    10 hours ago

    Reminds me of some story I heard a long time ago about a condom company making a wooden animal or something as a gift. I don’t know why I just thought of that, but somehow this seems weirdly similar.

  • ℍ𝕂-𝟞𝟝@sopuli.xyz
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    14 hours ago

    possibly the biggest foreign gift ever received by the U.S. government

    Wouldn’t that be the Statue of Liberty?

    That said, this is possibly the biggest personal gift received by a sitting US president, that’s true.

    • ansiz@lemmy.world
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      13 hours ago

      If you’re thinking cost wise, I’m pretty sure even adjusted for inflation the statue of Liberty was less than $15 million dollars.

  • CircaV
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    15 hours ago

    Oh that’s definitely not naked pure corruption.

    /s

    • Ahrotahntee
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      14 hours ago

      Not an American, so honest question here: Is this a valid target for civil forfeiture since it’s proceeds from crime?

      You know, instead of the usual $300 cops usually find suspicious in someone’s wallet.

  • SarcasticMan@lemmy.world
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    17 hours ago

    Gifts to the president are gifts to the country. The Republicans made that very clear when the Clintons left the white house and took all their gifts with them. In fact, Donny used it as part of his narrative of how corrupt Hillary is.

    Hypocrites and thieves

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    18 hours ago

    It strikes me that this in a way illustrates how delusional Trump is.

    He’s an egomaniac and a pathological narcissist, and he’s demonstrated repeatedly that he’s obsessed with how other people see him - he’s desperate to be respected and admired.

    And I have no doubt that he sees this gift as a mark of respect and admiration.

    And it very much is not - it’s the complete opposite in fact. It’s the Qatari royal family pretty clearly saying that while strengrhening ties with the US under another president would require a great deal of detailed discussion and negotiation, with Trump all it requires is giving him something bright and shiny.

    • Imgonnatrythis@sh.itjust.works
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      10 hours ago

      The great thing about being really stupid is that you are too stupid to worry about things like this. There’s no reading between the lines when you can’t even read.

  • Nightwingdragon@lemmy.world
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    18 hours ago

    Otherwise known as a national security risk with wings.

    Does anyone believe that (a) Qatar or one of its allies hasn’t planted more bugs than a termite infestation, and (b) Trump’s team is even remotely close to competent enough to find any of them?

  • GuyFawkes@midwest.social
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    16 hours ago

    I’m curious whether there are more bugs or remote ways to bring that plane down included with the delivery. “Declare war on <insert country name here> or we will bring that plane down. You have 2 minutes to decide.”

  • meco03211@lemmy.world
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    19 hours ago

    What’s that saying for social media? If it’s free, you are the product? Qatar gonna get so much intelligence from the bugs they plant all over.