US President Donald Trump has recently expressed his interest in accepting a Boeing jumbo jet valued at an estimated $400 million (£303 million) as a gift from Qatar, describing it as a "great gesture" that he would be foolish to decline. This potential move has sparked considerable debate, especially among members of the rival Democratic Party, who have labeled it as "wildly illegal." The White House has denied these allegations, insisting the process is compliant with legal standards. Meanwhile, Qatar has publicly disputed the accuracy of media reports regarding the aircraft, stating that negotiations are ongoing.
Reports surfaced over the weekend indicating that the Trump administration is making preparations to accept a Boeing jumbo jet from the Qatari royal family. This aircraft is expected to undergo modifications and serve temporarily as Air Force One, the official plane for the President of the United States. Trump took to Truth Social to confirm the transaction, stating, "The Defense Department is getting a gift, free of charge, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction." When pressed by reporters, he reiterated his appreciation for the gesture, emphasizing that he would never turn down such an offer.
The Qatari aircraft, which Trump inspected in Palm Beach, Florida earlier this year, is equipped with three bedrooms, a private lounge, and an office, according to a specification summary from 2015. A Qatari official informed CNN that the plane is being transferred from the Qatari defense ministry to the Pentagon and will be modified to meet the safety and security standards required for Air Force One. Experts predict that these modifications may take years, indicating the plane might not be operational until near the end of Trump's presidency. Trump has stated that the aircraft will eventually be moved to his presidential library after he leaves office and that he would not use it post-presidency.
The prospect of accepting such a significant gift has raised legal questions. Several senior Democrats, including Senator Adam Schiff, have cited a clause in the US Constitution that prohibits elected officials from accepting gifts from foreign leaders without congressional approval. Constitutional experts, like Frank Cogliano from the University of Edinburgh, argue that this clause was designed to prevent bribery and undue influence within the government. Professor Andrew Moran from London Metropolitan University noted that the scale and nature of this potential gift is unprecedented.
In addition to constitutional concerns, there are various laws, such as the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act of 1966, that require congressional consent for accepting foreign gifts exceeding a certain value. Currently, US officials can accept gifts valued at less than $480 (£363). Although Trump has mentioned the plane's future placement in his library, experts suggest he may actually mean his museum foundation. Typically, ex-presidents have libraries housing their documents and museums filled with memorabilia, funded through private donations.
The decision to accept the gift has drawn criticism not only from Democrats but also from some of Trump's long-time supporters. Notably, Laura Loomer remarked, "This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true." Concerns also arise over the implications of Trump using the aircraft after leaving office. Jordan Libowitz from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington emphasized that any post-presidency use of the plane would cross an ethical line, contrasting it with former President Reagan’s Air Force One, which was decommissioned and remains a static display in his library.
The US Justice Department has reportedly drafted a memo articulating why accepting the jet might be permissible, although the specifics of this memo have not been disclosed. When asked about the legality of the deal, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The legal details of that are still being worked out, but of course, any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law."
During this time, President Trump is on a four-day diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aiming to attract investments to the US. This trip coincides with a series of business ventures announced by the Trump Organization, which is operated by his sons, Eric and Donald Jr.. These ventures include plans to develop golf courses and luxury villas in Qatar and the UAE. Although Trump is not actively involved with the Trump Organization since he transferred management responsibilities to his children upon entering the White House, the implications of his family's business dealings raise questions about potential conflicts of interest.
In May, a deal was unveiled by the Trump Organization to construct a Trump-branded luxury 18-hole golf course and luxury villas just north of Doha, Qatar's capital. Eric Trump expressed pride in expanding the Trump brand into Qatar through this partnership with Qatari Diar and Dar Global, a publicly owned Saudi construction company. Additionally, plans were announced for the first Trump International Hotel & Tower in Dubai, a project boasting 80 floors of luxurious accommodations.
As President Trump continues his visit to the Middle East, the intersection of his diplomatic efforts and business interests remains a focal point of media scrutiny and public debate.
