Reports suggest Qatar is set to gift a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jet to U.S. President Donald Trump for use as Air Force One. The Gulf nation clarified that while discussions are ongoing with the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the aircraft’s temporary use, no final decision has been made.
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché to the United States, stated, “Reports that a jet is being gifted by Qatar to the United States government during the upcoming visit of President Trump are inaccurate.” He emphasized that the matter is still under review by the respective legal departments of both nations.
The controversy emerged following an ABC News report claiming that Qatar’s royal family intended to present the opulent aircraft to Trump during his forthcoming Middle East tour, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The jet, previously used by Qatar’s royals, is reportedly undergoing upgrades to serve as a temporary Air Force One until new presidential aircraft are completed by 2029. Post-presidency, the plane is expected to be transferred to Trump’s presidential library foundation.
The potential arrangement has sparked bipartisan criticism in the U.S. Ethics experts and lawmakers express concerns over possible violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officeholders from accepting gifts from foreign states without Congressional approval. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery; it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
Even some of Trump’s staunch allies have voiced apprehension. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer criticized the move, citing Qatar’s alleged ties to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Similarly, conservative figures Mark Levin and Erick Erickson expressed concerns about national security risks and the optics of accepting such a lavish gift from a foreign nation.
Trump defended the proposal on social media, arguing that accepting the jet would be a cost-saving measure for taxpayers, as it would serve as a temporary replacement for the aging Air Force One fleet. He dismissed the backlash as politically motivated, asserting that the arrangement benefits the U.S. Defense Department at no taxpayer expense.
The Department of Justice and White House counsel have reportedly approved the deal, stating that the gift is being offered to the U.S. government, not Trump personally, and does not constitute bribery or breach the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause. However, critics argue that the move exemplifies corruption and foreign influence, especially in light of Trump’s family business securing a major development deal in Qatar.
As the debate continues, the final decision regarding the jet’s transfer remains pending. Both U.S. and Qatari officials have emphasized that any planned announcement is not forthcoming during Trump’s trip to the Middle East.
