Hypocrisy hits new heights as shirtless Democrats ride camels in Qatar, then blast Trump for accepting a free $400M jet
As Democrats continue to slam President Donald Trump for accepting a $400 million jumbo jet from the Qatari royal family—meant to serve as a temporary Air Force One—questions are mounting about one of their own.
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, who called Trump’s acceptance of the aircraft “pay-to-play” and accused him of “selling out U.S. policy,” is now facing scrutiny over a luxurious 2021 trip he took to Qatar—funded by a group that promotes business ties with the Gulf monarchy.
Photos from the trip, which was paid for by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council, show Gallego and fellow Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell shirtless and smiling atop camels during a desert excursion. The delegation also included their spouses and several other lawmakers. According to congressional travel records, the total cost of the trip came to $84,621.59.
Critics quickly seized on the resurfaced images.
“This you, frolicking on a camel as part of your $85,000 Qatar getaway?” Republican strategist Steve Guest posted in response to Gallego’s criticism of Trump.
“Gallego’s outrage rings hollow when he’s pictured enjoying luxury excursions in the very country he’s now blasting Trump over,” added conservative writer John Hasson.
The trip, which included meetings with Qatari officials and U.S. troops, was described by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council as focused on strengthening bilateral relations. The organization said it paid only for “costs directly associated with travel and the working agenda,” and not for extracurricular activities like camel rides.
Still, the images have fueled accusations of hypocrisy—especially as the political heat rises over Trump’s acceptance of the Qatari aircraft. The new jet was offered as a temporary replacement for the current, decades-old Air Force One fleet, whose update has been delayed due to issues with Boeing.
Trump defended the deal in a post on Truth Social:
“The Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction,” he wrote. “But the Democrats are insisting we pay top dollar instead. Makes no sense!”
Gallego’s team fired back, saying his trip—approved through official congressional channels—was nothing like what they call Trump’s private acceptance of a foreign government’s gift.
“If you think visiting U.S. troops as part of a bipartisan delegation is the same as accepting a $400 million luxury jet from a foreign monarchy, then I’ve got beachfront property in Arizona to sell you,” said Gallego’s spokesman Jacques Petit.
At the time of the 2021 trip, Gallego was a congressman. Swalwell, who also took part, later faced criticism for past ties to a suspected Chinese spy, and was removed from the House Intelligence Committee.
Other lawmakers on the trip included Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Lisa McClain (R-MI).
With the spotlight now turned back on who’s really influencing U.S. policy, critics on both sides are asking: Where do we draw the line between diplomacy and indulgence?
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Now that\’s stupid!! Shirtless in the middle east vs a 400 million jet??? Get your perspective in order. You are really stupid!! Dr. Schlatter (at least it was with their wives!!!)
Lets see riding camels shirtless maybe they actually paid to do this? but well hoof in mouth, the plane is a frigging GIFT!
This is not a comparison. $84,621.59. Compared to $400 million. Like comparing dirt to diamonds. Get real.
Not interested, at all!!!!
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Shirtless camel rides are not quite the same as a 400 mil jet.
Strange behavior all round! Let’s look at it this way — If the Dems were celebrating on their own dime, and the President is using taxpayer money, then criticisms are justified. Otherwise, they would do well to remain silent.
It shows that Trump is a better deal maker than the shirtless Demonrats, they got a camel he got a $400.000.000 Jet.
what do you think qatar would offer as a bribe? a came ride or a $4M jet? get real? we have oil & gas deals working with them. or possible ones, which is why the delegation was there. nothing wrong with having a small adventure along the way. didn’t see any of them saluting the military there, like pres. doofus did.
Funny, but sad-comparing camels to super sonic jets!