Bulwark Takes This Is the Most Obvious Corruption Ever (w/ Sen. Brian Schatz)
May 14, 2025
Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii dives into the controversial $400 million gift from Qatar to Donald Trump. He outlines the serious constitutional and ethical concerns surrounding such foreign transactions. The discussion reveals how both Democrats and some Republicans view this as blatant corruption. Schatz highlights the absurdity of accepting luxury gifts from foreign entities and stresses the need for stronger ethical standards. He also calls for increased congressional oversight to combat political corruption and ensure accountability.
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Foreign Gift Corruption Is Clear
- Accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign government is blatant corruption regardless of legal justifications.
- The plane symbolizes presidential power and must not be compromised by foreign gifts.
Impunity and Grift Culture
- Trump's acceptance of such gifts shows a totalizing culture of grift and graft.
- Most Americans would label such a leader corrupt if it happened in another country.
Congress Must Approve Foreign Emoluments
- Foreign gifts to the president qualify as emoluments requiring congressional approval.
- Congress must exercise oversight and decide to ratify or disapprove such gifts lawfully.