GOP lawmakers signal discomfort with Trump Qatar jet, Middle East diplomacy

Republican lawmakers are raising concerns about elements of President Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, expressing discomfort about the president’s decision to accept a luxury jet from Qatar and voicing reservations about lucrative Trump family business dealings in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Republicans on Capitol Hill are also asking whether Trump has done enough to loop Israel into negotiations with Houthi rebels in Yemen and his administration’s talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

Trump announced a deal to stop bombing the Houthis shortly before his trip, and his administration’s negotiations with Iran are ongoing.

The president’s controversial decision to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 from Qatar to serve as the next Air Force One before eventually transitioning into Trump’s future presidential library has gotten the strongest pushback from GOP lawmakers.