A group of U.S. senators is attempting to block $3.5 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, citing concerns that these deals would personally enrich President Donald Trump's family. Democratic Senators Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Brian Schatz, Tim Kaine, and independent Senator Bernie Sanders introduced two “resolutions of disapproval” in the U.S. Senate. These legislators have accused President Trump of engaging in the “corruption of U.S. foreign policy,” pointing to the timing of these sales and recent investment deals.

The State Department recently approved a $1.6 billion sale to the UAE, which includes Chinook helicopters and equipment, F-16 aircraft components, and spare and repair parts for Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook helicopters. Additionally, the senators are working to block a $1.9 billion sale to Qatar of MQ-9B Predator drones and associated equipment, a deal approved by the State Department in March.

The senators allege that Trump is accepting favors in exchange for these deals. They highlight an April report stating that Emirati investment firm MGX plans to use a stablecoin—a cryptocurrency pegged to another asset—issued by World Liberty Financial, which is backed by the Trump family, to finance a $2 billion investment in the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. It is reported that the Trump family has made millions from cryptocurrencies like the $TRUMP “meme coin” since Trump's return to the White House in January.

Beyond these business dealings, senators have also voiced concerns that U.S. weapons sent to the UAE could end up with Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which is allegedly supported by the UAE and is heavily involved in Sudan’s civil war. Senator Van Hollen stated that the U.S. should not provide weapons to the UAE given its role in the humanitarian disaster and human rights violations in Sudan.

The senators also criticized Qatar’s offer of a Boeing 747 jumbo jet for the president’s temporary use as Air Force One. This offer has faced criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, as it would be the most expensive foreign gift ever exchanged between a foreign government and a U.S. elected official. Senator Murphy commented that foreign governments are trying to buy Trump's favor with a luxury jumbo jet and investments in Trump’s crypto scams, as Trump loves being treated like a king.

When questioned about the aircraft offer, Trump defended himself by blaming Boeing’s slow progress in building a new Air Force One and stated he would be “stupid” to decline a free plane, framing it as a gift to the Department of Defense rather than to himself.

It remains uncertain when a vote will occur on the joint “resolutions of disapproval,” but according to The Hill, Democrats are likely to bring them to the Senate floor.