Trump admin poised to accept luxury jet as gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 11:07 am

Trump Administration to Receive Luxury Jet Gift from Qatar: A Flying Palace for Air Force One?

The Trump administration is reportedly poised to accept a lavish gift from the royal family of Qatar: a super-luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet. Sources familiar with the plans told ABC News that the aircraft, dubbed a "flying palace," is intended for President Donald Trump's use as the new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office. Ownership will then be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.

The gift, estimated to be worth around $400 million, is expected to be announced during Trump's upcoming visit to Qatar. The plane, which Trump toured in February, will undergo modifications by the U.S. Air Force to meet military specifications. The Air Force will also cover the costs associated with the transfer.

This unprecedented arrangement raises legal questions. However, sources indicate that lawyers from the White House counsel's office, the Department of Justice, and Attorney General Pam Bondi have concluded the gift is legal. They argue it doesn't violate bribery laws or the Constitution's emoluments clause, which prohibits U.S. officials from accepting gifts from foreign powers. The legal rationale hinges on the gift being given to the Air Force and, ultimately, the presidential library foundation, not directly to Trump.

The move comes as the Air Force faces delays and cost overruns in replacing the current Air Force One fleet, which consists of aging Boeing 747-200 jets. The original contract with Boeing, signed in 2018, has faced significant setbacks, prompting Trump to enlist Elon Musk's help in expediting the process.

BNN's Perspective: While the legal arguments presented seem to address potential conflicts, the optics of accepting such a valuable gift from a foreign government, especially one with a history of complex geopolitical relationships, are concerning. Transparency and public trust are paramount, and the potential for perceived influence, even if unintended, should be carefully considered. This situation underscores the need for clear ethical guidelines and robust oversight regarding gifts to government officials.

Keywords: Trump, Air Force One, Qatar, Boeing 747-8, gift, luxury jet, presidential library, legal, emoluments clause, foreign government, Donald Trump, flying palace, U.S. Air Force, Pam Bondi, bribery, ethics, politics, aviation.

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