Trump Hails Air Force One 'Gift' After Qatari Luxury Jet Reports

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 1:51 am

Trump Defends "Gift" of Luxury Jet Amidst Ethical Concerns

President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny over a potential "gift" of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar, sparking ethical questions and accusations of potential conflicts of interest. The controversy centers around the plane, which ABC News reports could be the most expensive gift ever received by the US government.

Trump, in a social media post, defended the plan, framing the jet as a temporary "gift" for the Defense Department, replacing an older Air Force One model. He called the process a "transparent transaction" but did not clarify whether any party was receiving something in return. He also blamed Democrats for wanting to cash out on a new Air Force One unnecessarily.

Qatar, however, has downplayed the reports, stating that the transfer of the aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is "under consideration" between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense, with no decision yet made.

The US Constitution's emoluments clause prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign states. However, Trump could potentially circumvent this by transferring the jet to his presidential library after leaving office.

The plan has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Democrats, including Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Kelly Morrison, have called the move illegal, unethical, and a form of corruption. Laura Loomer, a far-right ally of Trump, also criticized the plan.

The White House and Department of Justice, however, believe the gift is legal, arguing it's not a bribe because it's not given in exchange for a specific favor and will first be passed to the US Air Force before being turned over to the presidential library.

The controversy comes as Trump has long expressed dissatisfaction with the current Air Force One fleet. The situation also follows delays in the delivery of two new Boeing 747-8 aircraft, which were originally slated for delivery by the end of 2024. The Qatari jet, though older, is estimated to be worth around $400 million and would require extensive upgrades before becoming Air Force One. The plan is expected to be announced as Trump travels to three Middle East countries this week, including Qatar.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Air Force One, Qatar, Boeing 747-8, gift, ethical concerns, emoluments clause, corruption, luxury jet, US government, Defense Department, presidential library, Chris Murphy, Kelly Morrison, Laura Loomer, Boeing, Middle East, controversy, legal, bribe, foreign state

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