THE KLEPTOCRAT-IN-CHIEF

‘Kleptocracy’: “a society or system ruled by people who use their power to steal their country’s resources”.

Donald Trump seems intent on outdoing Vladimir Putin to become the Global Kleptocrat-in-Chief with his most recent decision to consider accepting the most valuable gift from a foreign government in modern history.

Apparently, Trump is thinking of accepting a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the Qatari royal family. The luxury airliner, known as the ‘flying palace’, is worth about $US400 million and Trump plans to refit it and use it as Air Force One.

It would replace the aircraft that Boeing is currently building to replace the ageing Air Force One, which are slated for delivery in 2027.

As Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, said: “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”

Sure, it may well be the latest Trumpian publicity stunt, aimed at deflecting attention from his plummeting economy and popularity figures, but it shines a bright light on the unprecedented levels of corruption being wrought by Trump’s family and his administration.

Indeed, the proposed gift comes just days after the Trump Organization (now run by his sons, Eric and Don Jr) announced a new project for a $US5.5 billion golf course to be built in Qatar in partnership with Qatari Diar, a property group backed by the country’s sovereign wealth fund.

The US constitution states clearly that ‘no present of any kind whatsoever’ can be accepted by the president without the approval of Congress.

As Congressman Jamie Raskin wrote: “A gift you use for four years and then deposit in your library is still a gift (and a grift).”