Washington, DC, May 12 - The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to accept a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, valued at approximately $400 million, from Qatar’s royal family. This aircraft, described as a “flying palace” due to its opulent interior, is intended to serve as a temporary Air Force One during President Donald Trump’s second term. The plane would later be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation, raising questions about the ethics and legality of such an arrangement. This move, potentially one of the most valuable gifts ever received by the U.S. government from a foreign entity, has sparked significant debate.
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According to multiple sources, the jet, a 13-year-old aircraft previously toured by Trump in February 2025 at Palm Beach International Airport, is part of discussions between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. The plane would require modifications, including security and communication upgrades, to serve as a presidential aircraft. These costs would be covered by the U.S. Air Force. The arrangement stems from Trump’s frustration with delays in Boeing’s delivery of two new 747-8s, originally slated for 2024 but now projected for 2027 or 2028 due to production issues. Qatar has denied that a final decision has been made, with media attaché Ali Al-Ansari stating that reports of an imminent gift are “inaccurate” and that the transfer remains under legal review. Despite this, U.S. officials have indicated that the plane could be announced during Trump’s Middle East trip, which includes a stop in Qatar. The White House has emphasized that any gift would comply with applicable laws, though specifics remain unclear.
A key point of contention is the plan to transfer ownership of the jet to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation by January 1, 2029, allowing Trump to potentially use it for personal travel after his presidency. Legal analyses, reportedly drafted by Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel, argue that this is permissible because the plane would be donated to the U.S. government, not Trump as an individual. However, critics argue that this arrangement could violate the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officeholders from accepting foreign gifts without congressional approval. The deal has drawn sharp criticism. Some lawmakers have called it “wildly illegal” and “corruption in plain sight,” arguing that accepting such a lavish gift from a foreign government raises concerns about undue influence.
The jet’s eventual transfer to Trump’s foundation further complicates the issue, as it could blur the line between official and personal use. Conversely, supporters of the arrangement note that the gift addresses a practical need, given the aging Air Force One fleet and Boeing’s delays. As the Trump administration navigates this unprecedented situation, the deal’s implications for U.S. foreign relations and ethical governance remain under scrutiny. While the plane could serve a functional purpose, its long-term transfer to Trump’s foundation risks fueling perceptions of impropriety. Official announcements expected during Trump’s Qatar visit may clarify the terms, but the debate over this extraordinary gift will unlikely subside soon.