On Sunday, Donald Trump spoke out after headlines said he could be getting a fancy Boeing jet from Qatar, WASHINGTON. He described the upcoming Air Force One as a “Qatari Jet Gift” despite the fact that U.S. law places tight limits on gifts to presidents.
ABC News, which first shared the news, called the jet a true “flying palace.” Their report claimed that the Boeing 747-8. Gifted by Qatar’s royal family, might be the priciest gift the U.S. government has ever received.
Trump’s statement that the jet is arriving “free of charge” has sparked even more criticism. With people now questioning whether his personal business connections are interfering with his responsibilities as president.
Late Sunday, Trump took to social media to clarify the jet deal, calling it a temporary “Qatari Jet Gift” for the Defense Department. Although he didn’t mention Qatar, he explained that the new plane would replace an old model that’s been in service for more than 40 years.
At 78, Trump referred to the agreement as a “transparent transaction. Though he didn’t clarify if anyone was gaining something in return. He went on to blame Democrats, accusing them of seeking to benefit from the new Air Force One without justification.
Qatar quickly took action to calm the situation. Making it clear that the claims of the jet being a Qatari Jet Gift were “incorrect.”
Key Ethical and Legal Issues
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché in Washington, shared that discussions are ongoing between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the temporary transfer of an aircraft for Air Force One. He pointed out that no final decision has been made yet.
According to the US Constitution, the emoluments clause forbids government officials from accepting gifts from foreign leaders, including kings, princes, and states. However, Trump seems to have a plan to sidestep this rule by passing the jet to his presidential library once he leaves office.
Trump is expected to reveal his plan during his trip to three Middle Eastern countries this week, including Qatar, according to ABC and The New York Times. The decision to accept the Qatari Jet Gift has sparked concerns from both political sides. Raising ethical questions about whether it goes against laws designed to prevent corruption in government.
Far-right political activist Laura Loomer, a close ally of Trump, openly criticized the administration for even considering a $400 million plane from Qatar.
She took to X, warning that such a gift would be a dark mark on the government. Loomer claimed Qatar has ties to dangerous groups like Hamas and Hezbollah—organizations, she said, that have taken the lives of US soldiers.
ABC reported, quoting insiders, that both the White House and the Justice Department see no legal issue with accepting the jet. They argue it isn’t a bribe because there’s no favor or deal expected in return.
Officials further explained that the jet won’t be handed to any individual. Instead, it will first be transferred to the U.S. Air Force and then later passed on to the presidential library. This process, they say, ensures it stays within legal and constitutional boundaries.
Crossing the Legal Line
The Democratic National Committee criticized the move. Calling it clear evidence that Trump is using his position in the White House to benefit himself financially.
In an email to supporters, the DNC stated, “At a time when everyday families are struggling with rising prices and shortages. Trump remains focused on lining his own pockets and helping out his wealthy allies.”
A number of Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the plan.
Senator Chris Murphy didn’t hold back, calling it completely illegal. While Representative Kelly Morrison went even further, saying the move reeks of corruption and is nothing short of a bribe that goes against both ethics and the Constitution.
On another note, Trump has long expressed his dislike for the current Air Force One planes. Two specially customized Boeing 747-200B aircraft.
Trump shared earlier this year that his team was looking into other options, frustrated with the hold-up in getting the two new presidential jets from Boeing.
The deal with Boeing, made in 2018, committed the aerospace company to deliver two 747-8 jets by the end of 2024 for $3.9 billion. Meant for the current president when they’re ready, no matter who holds the position.
Boeing’s plans to deliver the new jets were delayed to 2027 and 2028 due to the bankruptcy of a subcontractor and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the Qatar-provided plane is said to be over 10 years old, experts point out that a brand-new Boeing 747-8 would come with a hefty price tag of around $400 million.
To be ready for use as Air Force One, the aircraft would also require substantial upgrades, including top-tier communications and security systems.
