The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of accepting a Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, which would be retrofitted to serve as Air Force One. According to a source familiar with the matter, this luxury plane could be one of the most valuable gifts ever received by the U.S. government. The aircraft, worth approximately $400 million, would be donated to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office.
Trump confirmed the proposal in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, late on Sunday. He expressed frustration over the controversy surrounding the potential gift, saying, “The Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily.” He criticized Democrats for demanding the U.S. pay top dollar for the plane.
The idea of receiving such a gift has raised concerns among Democrats and ethics advocates. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voiced his disapproval, saying, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar.” Critics argue that it represents an unethical and potentially unconstitutional foreign influence on the U.S. government.
In response, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that any gift from a foreign government would be accepted in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring full transparency.
A spokesperson for Qatar, Ali Al-Ansari, told The New York Times that the transfer of the aircraft is still under consideration and no decision has been made. ABC News was the first to report the planned gift.
Trump has previously expressed frustration with delays in the delivery of two new 747-8 jets for Air Force One, which were originally scheduled for delivery in 2024. Boeing has since proposed a 2027 delivery date.
Trump toured the Qatari-owned 747-8 in February when it was parked at Palm Beach International Airport, near his Mar-a-Lago resort. The White House explained that Trump wanted to assess how the new planes would be configured.
The non-profit group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington raised questions about the legality of such a gift. The organization’s spokesman, Jordan Libowitz, suggested the potential gift could violate the Constitution’s ban on U.S. officials accepting foreign gifts without congressional approval.
Trump is expected to visit Qatar during his trip to the Middle East this week. However, the plane will not be presented or accepted during his visit.
According to sources, lawyers from the White House counsel’s office and the Department of Justice have concluded that it would be legal and constitutional for the Defense Department to accept the plane as a gift and later transfer it to Trump’s presidential library.
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