'Blanket hold': How Democrats can actually 'go all-in' on Trump’s Qatar plane gift

Punchbowl news reports Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is blocking President Donald Trump’s nominations to the Department of Justice over his decision to accept a $400 million luxury plane from the royal family of Qatar.

“Until the American people learn the truth about this deal, I will do my part to block the galling and truly breathtaking politicization at the Department of Justice,” Schumer will announce in the Senate, according to notes Punchbowl news received in advance.

While a defender of the filibuster, Schumer is not known for putting blanket holds on a whole clade of presidential nominees. However, critics say Trump’s judicial appointees appear to be less inclined to follow the law and more likely to rubber-stamp the whim of the president.

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In addition to serving as a registered lobbyist for the Qatari government, Trump nominee Attorney General Pam Bondi has already greenlit most of Trump’s controversial decisions. She signed off on the Qatari gift, seemingly against constitutional restrictions against the White House accepting gifts from foreign governments or royalty. Critics say Bondi has also politicized the Department of Justice by altering major prosecutions opposed by Trump, firing or forcing out lawyers who didn’t meet MAGA litmus tests and legally pursuing a key Democratic fundraising vehicle at Trump’s behest.

Bondi has also threatened legal action against administration critics, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) for criticizing Trump’s top advisor Elon Musk

Democrats are outraged by the gift, and even Senate Republicans are reluctant to defend Trump’s decision to accept the plane, which will not be available to other U.S. presidents after his term ends.

But GOP members are hesitant to criticize Trump outright, with most claiming they don’t have enough information to comment.

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Punchbowl reports Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) describing the gift as “rumors” and Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD.) calling the gift “hypothetical,” despite Trump acknowledging the gift to reporters.

“I don’t know enough about it yet,” Thune told Punchbowl. “I’m sure, if and when we have more information, we’ll sort all that out.”

Despite his announcement, Punchbowl reports Schumer has only limited authority to challenge Trump appointments as long as Republicans are content to confirm appointments regardless of Trump’s behavior.

Read the full Punchbowl report here.