Hillary Clinton accused President Donald Trump of engaging in a potential quid pro quo deal after Qatar offered a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet to the U.S. Department of Defense. The jet, intended for use as Air Force One and later for Trump’s presidential library, was described by Trump as a “great gesture” during his visit to Doha, Qatar, on May 14, 2025.
“I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. Appreciate it very much. I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane. But it was, I thought it was a great gesture,” Trump stated earlier this week.
Clinton, however, questioned the motives behind the gift, posting on X: “No one gives someone a $400 million dollar jet for free without expecting anything in return. Be serious.” Her comments implied that Trump might be trading favors for the lavish offer.
Clinton’s criticism quickly drew accusations of hypocrisy from commentators on X, who pointed to her own history with the Clinton Foundation. Critics highlighted that the foundation accepted millions in donations from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Middle Eastern nations during Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State, allegedly in exchange for access to U.S. government influence.
Whistleblowers Lawrence Doyle and John Moynihan, who investigated the Clinton Foundation, have claimed it operated more like a global fund, brokering money and pharmaceuticals, rather than a standard 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They alleged that 60% of the foundation’s donations went to “administrative fees,” far exceeding the typical 10-15% industry standard.
Critics also referenced the Uranium One controversy, where the Clinton Foundation received over $145 million from shareholders tied to the deal. The 2010 transaction, approved by the Obama administration, gave Russia control of 20% of U.S. uranium production. The FBI later uncovered evidence of bribery and kickbacks by Russian officials to benefit Vladimir Putin, raising questions about Clinton’s role.
X users swiftly called out Clinton’s remarks:
- @JerryDunleavy: “What did Qatar want from you?” [referencing her foundation’s donations]
- @JohnStrandUSA: “The Clinton Foundation needs to be audited. Who else agrees?”
- @JimHansonDC: “The Clinton Foundation is the Gold Platinum & Diamond standard for buying and selling influence.”
- @SchmittNYC: “You’d know.”
Clinton’s attempt to criticize Trump backfired as her past controversies resurfaced, fueling demands for scrutiny of her foundation’s dealings.
