In a first-of-its-kind diplomatic overture, the royal family of Qatar is to gift the United States a super-luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet for President Donald Trump’s use. The aircraft, which is valued at approximately $400 million, would be the most expensive gift ever accepted by the U.S. from any foreign country. While the announcement had been expected to come during Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar, the White House officials have said the plane will not be formally revealed during the trip.
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A “flying palace” for the commander-in-chief
The aircraft, which has been called “a flying palace” by insiders, is 13 years old and was previously a private jet. Trump first saw the plane earlier this year at West Palm Beach International Airport, where he is said to have approved of its luxurious interior and advanced technology.
Before being used for presidential duties, the aircraft will be extensively modified by defense contractor L3Harris to meet military and security specifications. Some of the modifications include:
- Advanced communications and cybersecurity systems
- Military-grade defense capabilities
- Customized presidential interiors
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Legal green light from the administration
To address concerns over legality and the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, legal teams from both the White House and the Department of Justice prepared an analysis. They concluded:
- The gift can legally be accepted by the Department of Defense
- Transferring ownership to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation is lawful
- It does not constitute bribery, as no official act is being exchanged
Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Counsel David Warrington reportedly spearheaded this legal assessment. Bondi issued a formal memorandum confirming the transfer is “legally permissible.”
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From air force one to Trump library
According to sources, the timeline for the aircraft is as follows:
- Initial Transfer: To the U.S. Air Force for modifications
- Temporary Use: As a substitute Air Force One for President Trump
- Final Ownership: Transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation by January 1, 2029
The U.S. Air Force will cover the costs of transfer and retrofitting.
Mixed political reactions
Though Trump has hailed the agreement as a “very public and transparent transaction,” others have argued that it raises ethical questions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer responded sarcastically, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar.”
Other critics, including Rep. Adam Schiff, made appeals to constitutional concerns, alleging the move “brazenly skirts the Emoluments Clause.”
Despite the criticism, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed that “any gift presented by a foreign government is always accepted in full accordance with all relevant laws.”
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A temporary fix for a long-delayed program
The current Air Force One fleet, made up of 1990 Boeing 747-200s, has long been overdue for replacement. The original 2018 Boeing deal was marred by decades of delays, pushing the delivery date to 2029, well after Trump’s presidency is over. Infuriated, Trump brought Elon Musk on board to help hurry up production, but progress has been slow-moving.
Until the new Air Force One is ready, Qatar’s temporary solution is a costly, if troublesome, Band-Aid.
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