{"id":2443707,"date":"2025-06-06T07:41:02","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T11:41:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/congressman-returns-from-israel-with-concerns-about-qatar\/"},"modified":"2025-06-06T07:42:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T11:42:41","slug":"congressman-returns-from-israel-with-concerns-about-qatar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/congressman-returns-from-israel-with-concerns-about-qatar\/","title":{"rendered":"Congressman returns from Israel with concerns about Qatar"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fcongressman-returns-from-israel-with-concerns-about-qatar%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2443707&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>In a recent interview with the Washington Examiner,GOP Congressman Marlin Stutzman expressed concerns regarding qatar&#8217;s growing influence in the United States,highlighting discussions he had during his visit to Israel. While speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatar emerged as a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >significant topic amid talks<\/a> about the conflict with Hamas and the U.S.&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/heres-everything-you-missed-from-trumps-middle-east-trip\/\" title=\"Here...s Everything You Missed From Trump...s Middle East Trip\">potential nuclear agreement<\/a> with Iran. Stutzman criticized Qatar,which has been involved in efforts for hostage negotiations and has provided a luxurious aircraft for U.S. presidential use, suggesting that it cannot be trusted.He believes that investigations into Qatar&#8217;s operations and ties to terrorism are warranted.<\/p>\n<p>Stutzman also speculated on Qatar&#8217;s educational donations to U.S. universities, questioning their intent and influence. In response, a spokesperson for Qatar denied any financial support to Hamas, stating their assistance was directed solely towards civilians and coordinated with U.N. and Israeli authorities. Additionally, Stutzman mentioned the potential for his role as a mediator between Israel and Syria following positive engagements with Syrian officials. Stutzman&#8217;s visit and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/flashback-aoc-cried-when-us-gave-israel-1b-to-help-iron-dome-protect-civilians\/\" title=\"AOC shed tears as US granted B to aid Iron Dome in safeguarding civilians.\">subsequent comments reflect<\/a> a mix of diplomatic and political aims amidst wider regional tensions.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Stutzman returns from Israel <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gop-chairwoman-ward-wants-decertification-of-ariz-election-results\/\" title=\"GOP chairwoman Ward wants decertification of Ariz. election results\">raising concerns<\/a> about Qatar&rsquo;s influence<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2137601\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>A GOP congressman is raising concerns about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/qatar\/\" title=\"Qatar\">Qatar<\/a>&lsquo;s growing influence in the United States, and with the <a href=\"http:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/trump-administration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Trump administration<\/a>, after visiting the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) said Qatar was a main topic on his trip last week to <a href=\"http:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/israel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Israel<\/a> when he spoke to Prime Minister <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/benjamin-netanyahu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Benjamin Netanyahu\">Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a> about the war against Hamas and President Donald Trump&rsquo;s effort to strike a nuclear deal with <a href=\"http:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iran\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Iran<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Iran is one,&rdquo; Stutzman said. &ldquo;But Qatar &mdash; Qatar came up quite a bit over there,&rdquo; Stutzman told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> in his first interview about his meeting with Netanyahu.<\/p>\n<p>As Trump is relying on Qatar for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/3287722\/israel-and-hamas-finalize-ceasefire-hostage-deal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"hostage release deals\">hostage release talks<\/a> and supplying him with a new presidential airplane, Stutzman said Doha cannot be trusted. Israel has also been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/foreign-policy\/3408628\/trump-america-first-israel-uneasy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"hostage release deals\">skeptical of Qatar<\/a>, which houses Hamas&rsquo;s international leaders outside Gaza and is a large financial backer.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from offering Trump a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be used as Air Force One, Qatar has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/investigations\/3420993\/qatar-lobbying-foreign-agents-frequently-donate-congressional-offices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">sent money to U.S.<\/a> politicians, donating nearly $700,000 to members of Congress and other officials since 2020, the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> previously reported.<\/p>\n<p>Stutzman believes the U.S. should investigate Qatar&rsquo;s operations and its ties to Hamas and terrorism.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3433213\/comer-subpoenas-biden-physician-house-oversight-investigation\/\">Comer subpoenas Biden physician Kevin O&#8217;Connor in expanding House Oversight investigation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3432666\/house-oversight-democrats-fail-subpoena-musk-again\/\">House Oversight Democrats fail to subpoena Musk again<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3432541\/labor-secretary-grilled-over-job-corps-pause\/\">Labor secretary grilled over Job Corps pause<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;They&rsquo;re not part of the Israeli or the Abraham Accords, and so, you know what is, what are their operations intended to be? It almost seems like they&rsquo;re playing both sides,&rdquo; Stutzman speculated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Ali Al Ansari, Qatar&rsquo;s Media Attach&eacute; to the U.S., denied that Qatar has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/larry-elder-says-his-campaign-raised-4-5m-in-drive-to-replace-california-governor\/\" title=\"Larry Elder Says His Campaign Raised .5M In Drive To Replace California Governor\">provided financial support<\/a> to Hamas in a statement to the <em>Washington Examiner.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;All financial assistance from Qatar to Gaza is directed to civilians and has been coordinated with the United Nations and Israeli authorities on the ground,&rdquo; Al Ansari said. &ldquo;All goods, including food, medicine, and fuel, entered Gaza through Israel and were rigorously inspected to ensure they reached the intended recipients.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Stutzman also questioned the country&rsquo;s donations to U.S. universities and Qatar&rsquo;s intentions.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Qatar has funded a lot of these Middle Eastern study programs at our universities, and I think there needs to be questions about, you know, why, and what are they teaching? And, you know, what are the intentions?&rdquo; Stutzman asked.<\/p>\n<p>Donations from Qatar, which are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3408108\/qatar-influence-history-of-buying-in-the-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">often funneled<\/a> through the Qatar Foundation established by the emir of Qatar, have reached at least $4.7 billion over the last two decades, according to annual disclosure data collected <a href=\"https:\/\/fsapartners.ed.gov\/knowledge-center\/topics\/section-117-foreign-gift-and-contract-reporting\/section-117-foreign-gift-and-contract-data\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">by the Department of Education<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Al Ansari said Qatar &ldquo;never interferes&rdquo; in the educational curriculum of U.S. colleges.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Allegations that Qatar has any influence over US universities are categorically false and based on deliberate misinformation,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;For several months, we have been the target of a campaign by bad actors whose goal is to weaken Qatar&rsquo;s partnership with the United States and undermine our role as a mediator to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring the remaining hostages home.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Stutzman&rsquo;s questioning of where Qatar&rsquo;s money is funneling comes after the Arab country <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/05\/21\/us\/politics\/qatar-plane-trump-air-force-one.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">donated a luxury jet<\/a> to the U.S. to be retrofitted for use as Air Force One for Trump.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The donation has been met with heavy scrutiny from Democrats, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introducing a bill last month to ban the use of a foreign plane as Air Force One. The measure ultimately failed in the Republican-led Senate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Stutzman said while he trusts Trump and the military to ensure the plane is safe and secure for presidential use, he believes Qatar&rsquo;s donation is part of the country&rsquo;s effort to curry favor with power brokers.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I do think this is part of the way Qatar plays is that they are trying to buy influence around the world,&rdquo; Stutzman said. &ldquo;My belief is that we just need to ask questions to be sure that they&rsquo;re not also funding terrorist organizations.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>But Stutzman&rsquo;s visit to Israel may have also opened the door for the freshman Republican to be a political middleman between the Jewish state and <a href=\"http:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/syria\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Syria<\/a> as the two nations work to establish a diplomatic relationship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Stutzman also met with Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa earlier this year during a separate trip he had to Syria, possibly putting him in a unique position to help bridge the two governments.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had some of the Syrian folks reach out to me and ask if I would be willing to bridge them with the Israeli government, and so we&rsquo;re going to work on that,&rdquo; Stutzman said. &ldquo;&hellip;The more people that are talking to each other, the better. And I think that&rsquo;s where America, we have a unique place, because we can act as a broker.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2137601\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2137601\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stutzman returns from Israel, voicing worries over Qatar&#8217;s influence<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2912,"featured_media":2443708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/sipaphotostwentyone046444-marlin-stutzman-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[5408,50462,4671,32726,7823],"class_list":["post-2443707","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-congressman","tag-foreign-policy-2","tag-israel","tag-middle-east","tag-qatar"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/sipaphotostwentyone046444-marlin-stutzman-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443707","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2912"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2443707"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443707\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2443711,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443707\/revisions\/2443711"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2443708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2443707"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2443707"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2443707"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}