Trump Accepts Gift of $400M Jet from Qatar Royal Family

Today’s ESG Updates

• Donald Trump Accepts a $400M Jet from Qatar: Trump has accepted potentially the most valuable gift ever extended to the U.S. from a foreign government.
• U.S.–China Trade Talks in Geneva: Details about the critical trade talks, which took place in Switzerland this weekend, have yet to be disclosed.
• OpenAI and Microsoft to Restructure Partnership: OpenAI is in negotiations with Microsoft to revise terms, paving the way for a potential IPO.
• Global Scientists Defend U.S. Climate Research: European scientists agree to support U.S. scientists amid the Trump Administration’s threat to climate data.

Trump accepts $400M jet from Qatar Royal Family

Donald Trump has publicly accepted the gift of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that it is legal for the Department of Defense to accept the aircraft, as its ownership will be transferred to Trump’s presidential library before the end of his term. The Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution states that any U.S. government official is prohibited from accepting gifts “from any King, Prince or foreign State.” While the corruption is palpable, Congress and the Supreme Court will likely fail to enforce the clause. Trump, who already owns a 1991 Boeing 757 with 24-carat gold-plated seat belts, will now hold three private aircraft.

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Further reading: Trump administration poised to accept ‘palace in the sky’ as a gift for Trump from Qatar

U.S.–China trade talks continue in Geneva

The world’s two largest economies resumed trade talks in Geneva over the weekend, following more than a month of Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods and Beijing’s retaliatory 125% tariffs on U.S. exports. Lead U.S. negotiator Jamieson Greer stated that the meetings are sparking a “great deal of productivity,” while China has yet to comment. The details of the talks have not yet been released, but officials say there will be more information late Monday. With global supply chains still disrupted by the extreme tariffs, it’s unclear whether the talks will bring relief to the situation.

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Further reading: Morning Bid: The devil’s in the lack of detail

OpenAI and Microsoft working to rewrite terms of partnership to unlock future IPO

OpenAI is negotiating with Microsoft to revise the terms of their partnership, with the goal of restructuring OpenAI into a for-profit entity to facilitate a potential IPO. The negotiations center on equity distribution and access to OpenAI’s technology, as the company plans to shift away from its non-profit origins. Despite tensions, Microsoft remains a key player, and the restructuring could reshape the AI industry as OpenAI seeks financial backing and growth.

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Further Reading: OpenAI negotiates with Microsoft to unlock new funding and future IPO

Researchers across the globe agree to support U.S. scientists amid Trump’s increased attacks on science

At the European Geosciences Union conference last week, global scientists expressed solidarity with American researchers amid Trump’s increased attacks on science. Over 800 U.S. scientists presented research on climate change and environmental issues. The community is addressing threats such as budget cuts, staff layoffs, and the erosion of science programs in the U.S.. The American Geophysical Union and others are taking legal action to protect science and ensure the continuation of crucial climate research. The decision to back American scientists comes at a critical time, as just last week the Trump administration ended the government’s disaster database, a key resource for tracking extreme weather events in the US. Companies can navigate the uncertain political landscape today and strengthen their climate commitments using ESG solutions.

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Further reading: World’s Researchers Say They Will Resist Attacks on Science and Support Beleaguered U.S. Colleagues

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Nicholas Susilo