John Garamendi, a U.S. Congressman representing California’s 8th district since 2009, has shared his perspectives on recent developments involving former President Donald Trump and a legal maneuver related to the Department of Defense (DoD). His remarks are conveyed through a series of tweets that address the legality and ethical implications of the situation.
On May 15, 2025, Garamendi posted a tweet stating “Trump’s legal department (headed by Pam Bondi, who was previously paid over $100,000 a month to lobby on behalf of the Qataris) found a legal loophole to skirt the constitution.” He described how Qatar could give an airplane to the DoD, which would then pass it on to Trump.
In another tweet from the same date, Garamendi drew historical parallels with past congressional actions by noting “In 1877, Congress approved accepting the Statue of Liberty as a gift from France. They even decided where it would be placed and later designated it as a national park– where it can be seen and enjoyed by the American people.” He clarified that this situation is not comparable to Trump’s plane issue.
Furthermore, in his final tweet for that day, Garamendi remarked on potential ethical concerns by stating “If it smells like a bribe and if it looks like a bribe, it probably is a bribe.” He emphasized his belief that this scenario represents corruption in plain sight.
John Garamendi has been an active member of Congress since succeeding Ellen Tauscher in 2009. Prior to his congressional service, he was involved in California state politics for several decades. Born in Camp Blanding, Florida in 1945 and currently residing in Walnut Grove at age 78, Garamendi holds degrees from both UC Berkeley and Harvard University.
