Senators claim US President Donald Trump is implicated in ‘corruption of US foreign policy’ through defense contracts.
A coalition of US senators is working to block $3.5 billion worth of arms sales to the UAE and Qatar, citing concerns that these transactions could peculiarly benefit the family of President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Democratic Senators Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Brian Schatz, and Tim Kaine, along with independent Senator Bernie Sanders, introduced two “resolutions of disapproval” in the Senate.
The lawmakers criticized President Trump, who was wrapping up a visit to the Middle East, claiming he is engaging in the “corruption of US foreign policy” due to the timing of these sales along with recent investment agreements.
This week, the State Department approved a $1.6 billion deal for the UAE involving Chinook helicopters, parts for F-16 fighters, and support components for Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook helicopters. Initial reports had suggested the sum was approximately $1.3 billion; however, the $1.6 billion figure was confirmed in the senators’ statement. Additionally, they are aiming to obstruct a $1.9 billion sale to Qatar, which includes MQ-9B Predator drones and related equipment, sanctioned by the State Department in March.
The senators allege that Trump is accepting favors linked to these deals, referring to an April report that the Emirati investment firm MGX plans to use a stablecoin—linked to the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial—to finance a $2 billion investment in the cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
Reports indicate the Trump family has earned millions from niche cryptocurrencies, including the $TRUMP “meme coin,” since Trump returned to the presidency in January.
Trump’s cryptocurrency schemes can be complex. I took to the Senate floor to expose one of the most shocking.
A foreign government is investing $2 billion in Trump’s crypto to secure favorable treatment from his administration. This is blatant corruption.
Here’s the breakdown. pic.twitter.com/pxLSlZH2QN
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) May 13, 2025
Beyond the business implications, the senators voiced concerns that US arms sent to the UAE could potentially fall into the hands of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which are reportedly supported by the UAE and have played a destructive role in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict.
“The US should not be providing arms to the UAE, as it is complicit in this humanitarian crisis and severe human rights abuses,” stated Van Hollen, referencing the conflict in Sudan.
They also pointed out that Qatar offered a Boeing 747 jumbo jet for the President’s temporary use as Air Force One, an offer that has faced backlash from both Democrats and some Republicans due to its perceived excessive value as a foreign gift to an elected official.
“Donald Trump relishes being treated like royalty, which explains why foreign governments are attempting to curry his favor with lavish gifts and investments in his crypto ventures,” Murphy emphasized.
When approached regarding the jet, Trump suggested that the delays from Boeing in constructing a new Air Force One made it unwise to refuse the offer. “This isn’t a gift to me; it’s a contribution to the Department of Defense,” he remarked.
It remains uncertain when the Senate will vote on the proposed “resolutions of disapproval,” but political news outlet The Hill has indicated that given their nature, it is likely that Democrats will push them to the Senate floor.