If Donald Trump is able to accept a gift from Qatar of an airplane worth $400 million for his use while president, and then have it transferred to his presidential library foundation once he leaves office, what would stop him from also taking one, or both, of the Library of Congress’ two original copies of the Declaration of Independence, one for his library, the other for Mar-a-Lago? After all, a copy of the original declaration, known as the “Dunlap Broadside,” printed in Philadelphia on the evening of July 4 and the early morning of July 5, 1776, is said to be worth only around $10 million. Pittance compared to the flying luxury liner.
Trump has been flexing his muscles demonstrating he has ultimate authority over all government assets and personnel. Last week he fired the Librarian of Congress, for what seemed to many observers to be for no good reason other than she is African-American and was appointed by President Barack Obama.
Trump also vehemently argued that all papers he took from the National Archives as he left the White House in 2021 were his for the taking. He rejected any inference that he violated any laws.
If the Qataris want to donate a plane, do they not have to give it to the United States and not to Trump directly because of the Emoluments Clause that restricts the value of gifts a president or any American government official may receive without congressional approval?
If so, if the airplane belongs to the government, could Trump simply designate it as a gift to his presidential library foundation and use it to ride around in once he leaves office? if he can, what’s to stop him from designating any gift he or Melania have received, such as jewelry, and say it is part of his presidential library artifacts? Could they wear the jewelry for dinners or other functions they attend post-office?
Once the airplane becomes U.S. property, would Trump have the right to “donate” it to his library foundation? Would he have the right to “donate” a copy of the Declaration of Independence or any other document of national importance, such as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, to his namesake heritage facility?
It’s mind-boggling the amount of grifting that could be contained inside Trump’s massive body.
Tariff Deal: So, a tariff deal with China is a pain-no-gain exercise.
Yes, tariffs between China and the U.S. will be reduced to more sane levels for the next 90 days. But didn’t Trump initiate his tariff onslaught against the world, and in particular China, to jumpstart American investment in manufacturing?
From this new tariff agreement it is difficult to see any movement in that direction. China will continue to be our preferred production partner.
Though Wall Street rebounded Monday, the average American worker and small business owner have little reason to rejoice. Planning ahead will be constrained, given Trump’s volatility and the ensuing caution of businesses to invest in new projects.
There never was a realistic expansion of American manufacturing for a majority of products produced in China. Except in technology and energy conservation. But Trump has stifled commitments made under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
We will know by mid August if Trump secures a deal beneficial to America. Until then, it would be an exercise in futility to speculate.
