Bergman Supports Trump’s Qatar Jet Gift Amid Security Concerns and Political Moves
Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman, a critic of Qatar, is okay with Trump accepting a $400M jet from the emirate. In other news, Jase Bolger is rumored to be linked to a new DeVos political group, as the Mackinac Policy Conference approaches. Also, Rep. DeBoyer demanded prosecution records on Flint, while AG Nessel endorsed Sen. Moss for Congress.
In a surprising turn of events, Michigan U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, known for his critical stance on Qatar, has voiced approval of President Donald Trump receiving a luxury Boeing 747-8 jetliner from the Qatar government. “I’ve always considered the why they do it. But I’m not concerned about the gift of the jet,” Bergman told The Detroit News, highlighting a shift in his usual views on Qatar’s influence.
The Trump administration officially accepted the 747-8 last week, with the Air Force now tasked with retrofitting it for Trump’s personal use. This process is expected to last years and cost hundreds of millions. Bergman, who is a retired commercial pilot, downplayed any security risks posed by the aircraft being a foreign gift. “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 remarked.
Critics have raised concerns that accepting the jet may breach the Constitution, which prohibits the president from accepting foreign gifts without congressional approval. Trump himself commented on the situation, suggesting it would be “stupid” to refuse such a generous offer. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, labeling the jet transfer a “donation to our country.”
During a recent trip to the Middle East, Trump secured various economic agreements with Qatar, including a $10 billion investment in a U.S. military facility and a massive $42 billion weapons purchase from the United States. Qatar Airways also entered a deal for 210 American-made Boeing jets worth $96 billion. Bergman’s previous comments on Qatar have been strong; he’s claimed the nation poses a “unique threat” to U.S. national security due to its espionage activities.
His recent approval of the jet gift stands in stark contrast to the views of fellow Michigan politician, Senator Elissa Slotkin. Slotkin, a Democrat who served on the Armed Services Committee with Bergman, has expressed concerns over the security implications of Trump using the plane for sensitive operations. “What kind of sway or influence do they have over someone like the president, given how generous they’ve been?” she questioned on social media.
In other political news, former Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger has been tight-lipped regarding the rumored launch of a new political organization by the DeVos family. Despite speculation that it aims to bolster Republican efforts in the state for the upcoming 2026 midterms, Bolger avoided confirming or denying anything. He stated, “I am not here to make any announcement. I suspect you’ll have that knowledge in not too far in a distant future.”
Meanwhile, the annual Mackinac Policy Conference is set to kick off, with many top contenders for governor and U.S. Senate in attendance, although some, like U.S. Rep. John James, will not be present. Notably, three Democrats running for governor are confirmed to participate, indicating a strong Democratic presence at the event.
In light of recent developments regarding the Flint water crisis, State Rep. Jay DeBoyer has called on Attorney General Dana Nessel to expedite the release of prosecution records concerning the crisis. Nessel has cited the extensive nature of the documentation and has promised further updates in the coming weeks, though critics argue that much time has already lapsed without clear answers.
Additionally, Nessel publicly endorsed state Senator Jeremy Moss for Congress in Michigan’s 11th District, expressing confidence in his leadership and noting the chaos affecting local businesses due to current federal policies.
Lastly, this week’s “Tweet of the Week” goes to lobbyist Kurt Berryman, who was humorously misidentified by a local news station during an interview about Lansing’s population growth. His comments referred to the need for sustained businesses in downtown Lansing, underscoring the ongoing efforts for revitalization in the area.
In summary, Jack Bergman’s surprising support for the acceptance of a Boeing jet from Qatar adds an interesting layer to his long-held criticisms of the nation. With the upcoming political initiatives surrounding the DeVos family and the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, the Michigan political landscape is certainly heating up. Furthermore, the implications of the Flint prosecution records and Nessel’s endorsement of Moss signal that transparency and leadership are urgent topics in the local political discourse.
Original Source: www.detroitnews.com
