News brief

Monitor

Chuck Schumer pushed back on the Qatari “gift” jet. The Senate minority leader called Mr. Trump’s plan to accept it to replace Air Force One “naked corruption,” and said Tuesday he would put holds on confirmation for all Justice Department political appointees until he gets answers. The proposed gift has faced criticism from across the political spectrum over concerns about legality, propriety, and security implications.

Senator Schumer said he wouldn’t lift the holds unless Attorney General Pam Bondi, a former lobbyist for Qatar, testified before Congress. Senate Republicans can still confirm DOJ nominees, but a hold makes the process much more time-intensive. President Trump is due in Qatar on Wednesday as part of his first foreign trip since returning to the White House. – Staff