President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday reports indicating that his administration is poised to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 plane from the royal family in Qatar. The aircraft is intended to be utilized as Air Force One. Trump dismissed concerns regarding the implications of accepting one of the largest foreign gifts ever provided to the U.S. government, categorizing it as a “public and transparent transaction.”
A representative from Qatar informed CNN that this prestigious aircraft is being gifted specifically from the Qatari Ministry of Defense to the U.S. Department of Defense. The Pentagon plans to modify the aircraft to meet the stringent safety standards required for Air Force One. Notably, it has been reported that once the plane is donated, it will eventually be transferred to Trump's presidential library shortly before he concludes his term. This arrangement raises potential legal questions regarding the acceptance of such a significant gift.
Under the foreign emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, it is stipulated that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” However, anonymous sources have informed ABC News that Trump’s administration has concluded it is legal for the Defense Department to accept the aircraft and subsequently donate it to Trump’s library. Additionally, Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly provided a legal memo indicating that it would be “legally permissible” for Qatar to impose conditions on the donation.
Currently, Air Force One can technically refer to any Air Force aircraft carrying the president. Nevertheless, it is primarily associated with two specially configured Boeing 747-200B aircraft used for presidential travel. These planes differ significantly from standard 747 models, featuring enhanced electronic and communications equipment, a self-contained baggage loader, air stairs, and in-flight refueling capabilities. Additionally, Air Force One includes a stateroom and office for the president, as well as accommodations for guests, staff, and media.
As for when Trump might utilize the new plane, it remains uncertain. The aircraft will require extensive retrofitting to meet the security standards of Air Force One. An unnamed official from the Defense Department mentioned to The New York Times that securing a contract for the necessary upgrades and executing the modifications could take several years, indicating a timeline of “years, not months.”
The Boeing 747-8 is estimated to cost around $400 million, according to various sources, including Business Insider, which labeled it the largest private jet as of 2020. This hefty price tag underscores the significance of the transaction.
Trump had toured the Boeing 747-8 back in February, and reports from The New York Times at that time indicated he was contemplating its potential as a new Air Force One. Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, stated that the tour was aimed at evaluating the new technology and hardware, pointing out the ongoing delays in delivering the new Air Force One. In 2015, the Air Force contracted Boeing to produce the 747-8s, which were expected to fulfill the necessary capabilities for the presidential support mission. Although Boeing secured the contract in 2018, there have been substantial delays in delivery, frustrating Trump, who expressed dissatisfaction and noted that his team was exploring alternative options, including refurbishing used jets.
In summary, the potential acceptance of the Boeing 747-8 from Qatar raises significant legal, financial, and operational considerations for the Trump administration. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how this public and transparent transaction unfolds.
