Nikki Haley criticized President Donald Trump on May 13, 2025, for accepting a $400 million private jet from Qatar for government use in the U.S. Haley condemned the acceptance due to concerns about foreign influence and national security risks tied to receiving gifts from other nations.
Haley stated on social media that despite the jet’s value, accepting it suggests political opponents could buy the president and the U.S., a point she said would anger her if Biden accepted it.
Trump defended the decision in a press conference, saying it saves taxpayers hundreds of millions, and called declining the gift “stupid.” Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., urged adjudication due to concerns about impropriety.
The controversy triggered bipartisan criticism and ongoing debate about the implications for U.S. security, diplomatic optics and political accountability.
