President Donald Trump’s trip to Qatar is off to a flying start. Qatar didn’t bother waiting for Trump to land before setting out to impress him with a fighter jet escort Wednesday.

Trump’s plan to accept a $400 million plane from Qatar has ignited a full-blown firestorm among Democrats in Congress

The emirate, once called “a funder of terrorism” by President Trump, has spent lavishly on overhauling its global reputation.

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani will meet U.S. President Donald Trump and the emir of Qatar in Doha on Wednesday, two sources told Reuters, as his company Reliance Industries looks to foster ties with authorities in both nations.

Schumer also called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify before Congress and answer a number of questions related to the potential gift.

In May 2025, the nation of Qatar gave the Department of Defense a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be remodeled into a new Air Force One.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and GOP firebrand senators are among those voicing discomfort with the deal.