Poll Finds Americans Skeptical of Qatar's Jet Gift to Trump

More than half of Americans believe Qatar is trying to bribe Donald Trump by giving his administration a luxury jet, according to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll.

The poll, conducted between May 22 and May 27, found that 54% of U.S. adults think the Qatari government’s decision to gift Trump a plane, reportedly worth between $200 million and $400 million, is an attempt to buy influence.

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Only 25% of respondents said they believe the gift wasn’t intended as a bribe.

The luxury jet, a Boeing 747 from the Qatari royal family, is now being used as Air Force One during Trump’s current term. After leaving office, Trump plans to transfer the aircraft to his presidential library foundation.

Trump’s Defense: “Only a Stupid Person Would Say No”

Trump defended accepting the jet earlier this month, saying it would’ve been foolish to turn it down.

“I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,’” he told reporters. “But it was — I thought it was a great gesture.”

Still, the poll shows that 51% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s decision to accept the jet. Only 32% approve.

Even conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, typically a Trump ally, raised red flags. “President Trump promised to drain the swamp. This is not, in fact, draining the swamp,” he said, suggesting the reaction would be very different if this were a gift to Joe or Hunter Biden.

Partisan Divide on the Jet Gift

As expected, political affiliation plays a major role in how Americans view the situation.

• Republicans are the only group where a majority (54%) believe the jet is not a bribe.
• 66% of Republicans approve of Trump accepting the gift.
• Among Democrats, only 6% say it’s not a bribe, and just 5% approve of Trump’s move.
• Independents fall somewhere in between, with 18% saying it’s not a bribe and 26% approving of the decision.

Other Corruption Concerns in Trump’s Second Term

The jet isn’t the only ethical concern swirling around Trump’s second presidency.

Following a Supreme Court ruling last year that gave presidents immunity for their official acts, Trump has been more open about enriching himself while in office. Experts warn that he’s been removing checks on corruption and firing those tasked with oversight.

Qatar Responds: “It’s an Exchange Between Countries”

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, has denied all bribery claims.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said the jet was a reflection of the U.S.–Qatar defense relationship, not an attempt to gain favor. “I call it an exchange between two countries,” he stated. “The relationship we have between Qatar and the United States is very institutional.”

Still, most Americans aren’t convinced. And as the luxury jet continues to serve as Air Force One, the controversy is likely far from over.