Rep. Bergman Supports Trump’s Qatar Jet Acceptance Amid Criticism
Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman, usually critical of Qatar, is fine with President Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million Qatari jet. Concerns over foreign influence and security risks are prominent, but Bergman plays them down. On the political front, former House Speaker Jase Bolger hinted at a new GOP initiative linked to the DeVos family. The Mackinac Policy Conference approaches, gathering state candidates while transparency demands in the Flint water investigation continue. A lobbyist’s amusing misidentification adds levity to the political landscape.
In a surprising twist, Michigan Representative Jack Bergman, a vocal opponent of Qatar, expressed no concern over President Donald Trump accepting a Boeing 747-8 luxury jet gifted by the Qatari government. Bergman stated, “I’ve always considered the why they do it. But I’m not concerned about the gift of the jet,” in an interview with The Detroit News. The Trump administration recently confirmed the acceptance of this jet, which will undergo retrofit by the Air Force for potential usage as Trump’s presidential aircraft, a process anticipated to be lengthy and costly.
Bergman, who held a career as a commercial airline pilot and presently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, played down the security implications of such a foreign gift. He likened the situation to accepting a house, suggesting that thorough checks would ensure no hidden threats exist. “You can do that with that airplane. We have the technology now to go into a chip and see if that chip is infected,” he elaborated.
This acceptance has led to criticism, particularly regarding the Constitution, which prohibits foreign gifts to the president without congressional consent. Former President Trump was quoted saying it would be “stupid” to refuse such a gift. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, supporting the gesture, labeled the jet a “donation to our country,” asserting that Qatar’s royal family intended to gift the plane to the United States Air Force legally and ethically.
During Trump’s recent Middle East visit, lucrative agreements with Qatar came to light, including a $10 billion investment in a U.S. military facility and a deal for $42 billion worth of U.S. weapons. Additionally, Qatar Airways has reportedly committed to purchasing 210 Boeing jets, valued at approximately $96 billion.
Despite Bergman’s somewhat lenient stance towards the jet, he has repeatedly criticized Qatar’s influence in the U.S., warning of its espionage activities. He has condemned various U.S. organizations for accepting funds from Qatar, alleging relationships with radical groups like the Taliban and Hamas, and labeling the nation’s influence efforts as extensive and dangerous.
Conversely, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, views the situation differently. Slotkin flagged potential security risks of Trump utilizing the jet as Air Force One. She remarked on her past experiences at the Pentagon while overseeing investigations into gifts from Qatar, emphasizing the gravity of accepting a luxury asset like a $400 million jet. “What kind of sway or influence do they have over someone like the president, given how generous they’ve been?” she queried on social media.
In other political news from Michigan, former House Speaker Jase Bolger was tight-lipped on the speculation surrounding a new organization by the DeVos family aimed at aiding GOP efforts statewide. Reports suggest figures like Shane Hernandez and Ronna McDaniel may lead this initiative as the party gears up for the 2026 mid-term elections.
The Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference is set to kick off soon, with key contenders for both governor and U.S. Senate expected to attend. Democratic candidates Jocelyn Benson, Garlin Gilchrist, and Chris Swanson will be present, while Republican attendees include Mike Cox and Aric Nesbitt. Notably absent will be Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township.
House Oversight Chairman Jay DeBoyer has also urged Attorney General Dana Nessel to expedite the release of Flint water prosecution costs documentation. DeBoyer criticized Nessel for allegedly withholding pertinent records, demanding completion by Friday. On the other side, Nessel responded that uncovering these extensive documents would take time given their volume, although some financial data is already publicly available.
Additionally, Nessel recently endorsed state Senator Jeremy Moss for Congress in Michigan’s 11th District, asserting that Michigan needs a strong advocate amidst current federal turmoil. As the only Democrat publicly declaring intentions for this seat so far, Moss’s campaign gains early momentum.
In lighter news, a humorous moment arose when lobbyist Kurt Berryman was misidentified in a local TV segment about Lansing’s population growth, creating a stir among viewers and insiders alike. Berryman, reflecting on the city’s potential, noted, “I think certainly the more foot traffic and people we get downtown, it would be great to get more sustained businesses like the Peanut Shop,” demonstrating his hope for Lansing’s future growth.
In summary, Rep. Jack Bergman’s approval of the Qatari jet gift to President Trump exemplifies a complex stance amidst ongoing scrutiny over foreign influence in U.S. politics. While some criticize the deal as unconstitutional, Bergman seems to dismiss security concerns, contrasting with Senator Elissa Slotkin’s apprehensions. Meanwhile, speculation about a new DeVos-led group adds to Michigan’s political dynamics ahead of upcoming elections, as key candidates prepare for the Mackinac Policy Conference amid calls for transparency surrounding the Flint water crisis. Lastly, a lighthearted misidentification within the lobbyist community showcases the humorous side of political reporting.
Original Source: www.detroitnews.com
