In an exclusive statement to Newsweek, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) said it plans to fly a banner near President Donald Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago estate on Wednesday amid backlash over a luxury plane gifted by Qatar.

Why It Matters

The president announced that Qatar, a major non-NATO ally to the U.S., offered the luxury plane—known as “a flying palace”—to the Department of Defense (DOD). Trump says the aircraft is worth $400 million and the assertion has prompted fierce bipartisan pushback.

After using it during his second term, the plane is said to be transferred to Trump’s presidential library foundation for his personal use upon leaving the White House.

The president also announced a new $5.5 billion beachside golf course deal by The Trump Organization to develop a resort in Qatar. The moves coincide with the president’s travel to the Middle East this week.

What To Know

In the exclusive to Newsweek, the DNC said that the banner is to make “crystal clear” that the president’s allegiance “belongs to the highest bidder, not the American people.”

The banner will fly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday along South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, near the president’s home.

The DNC released a statement from Chair Ken Martin to Newsweek ahead of the display via email: “Donald Trump is using the presidency to personally enrich himself while he bankrupts working families.”

Martin continued, ripping the president for “his corruption,” saying it “is a slap in the face to the millions of Americans who are struggling to get by and put food on the table.”

Concluding, the DNC chair said: “Today, the DNC is highlighting what foreign autocracies around the world already know: Trump has no loyalty to the American people, national security, or the Constitution – his only allegiance is to his bank account and his billionaire buddies. Whether it’s billionaires at home or governments abroad, Trump won’t hesitate to sell out America’s working families to the highest bidder.”

Security and financial concerns have arose since the announcement of the gift from Qatar, as critics question the potential presence of bugs and if the foreign nation will expect anything in return.

Qatar is also an ally of U.S. adversaries, including Iran and China. The Qatari government has also been widely accused of backing Hamas, an Islamic resistance movement, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.

Florida Senator Rick Scott, a Republican and staunch Trump ally, questioned the plane’s safety, saying in part, “I’m not flying on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas,” Scott said to The Hill, adding, “I don’t know how you make it safe.”

While speaking to Fox News‘ Sean Hannity Tuesday night, the president defended his decision on accepting the plane, saying in part, “My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept a gift?” The president also said that in comparison to Middle East countries, Air Force 1 is smaller and is “much less impressive, as impressive as it is.”

What People Are Saying

Trump posted to Truth Social on Tuesday: “The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive.”

The president continued, “Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done. This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: “American foreign policy should never be for sale. With news that Qatar is gifting a $400 million plane to Trump, the White House’s corruption is becoming a bigger and bigger threat to our national security. Let me explain what’s going on here.”

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama posted to X on Tuesday: “To no one’s surprise, Trump Derangement Syndrome has reached a new high. I refuse to stand by while my Democrat colleagues try to turn a ‘plane from Qatar’ into the next ‘perfect phone call.'”

What Happens Next

Trump’s travel in the Middle East continues on Wednesday as he is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.