Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is taking President Donald Trump to task over what he sees as a pattern of using taxpayer money to fund luxury projects. The criticism comes after Trump unveiled a new aircraft and pushed for White House upgrades, and Murphy isn't mincing words.

On Saturday, Murphy posted on X, calling out what he described as excessive spending on high-end government assets. He wrote: "You paid for a plane with 'a level of luxury that nobody has never seen before'. And he's apparently taking it with him once he leaves the White House." He added: "The plane. The ballroom. The corruption. This guy thinks taxpayers are dopes. Your money is just his to live a life of luxury."

The plane in question is a Qatar-donated aircraft that Trump unveiled on Friday. The modified VC-25B Bridge jet will temporarily serve as Air Force One, and Trump plans to use it for upcoming international trips, including a NATO summit in Turkey and a possible visit to China. The U.S. Air Force confirmed the jet has joined the Presidential Airlift Group. Trump flew aboard it to Joint Base Andrews, praised its design, and said it would replace older Air Force One planes. He also mentioned it might appear in Independence Day celebrations.

The jet is reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and its donation from Qatar has raised eyebrows over ethical and security concerns. Trump defended accepting it, saying refusing the gift would have been inappropriate.

Murphy's criticism taps into a broader debate about Trump's spending priorities. Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci said Trump lacks a clear economic philosophy and pointed to rising federal spending and debt levels, warning of potential inflation pressures. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has criticized Trump for focusing on a pool renovation while Americans face rising costs for gas, food, and health care. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) questioned proposed funding for a White House ballroom and a "weaponization fund," arguing the money could be better spent on infrastructure, health care, and education.

Meanwhile, Trump's fiscal 2027 budget proposes a 44% increase in defense spending to about $1.5 trillion, while cutting non-defense programs by 10%. The administration says this will strengthen national security, but critics argue it's out of step with the needs of everyday Americans.

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