U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed a plan to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 airplane from Qatar’s royal family for use as Air Force One, dismissing ethical concerns.
Trump told reporters at the White House:
The plane, described as a “flying palace,” would require retrofitting and security clearance before use.
Trump justified the decision by citing Qatar’s gratitude for U.S. defense support in the region, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
He noted the plane would eventually be donated to his presidential library, not used personally after his term.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized compliance with legal protocols, stating, “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws.”
The offer has ignited bipartisan criticism.
Democratic Senators Brian Schatz, Chris Murphy, Cory Booker, and Chris Coons warned in a statement that accepting the gift “would create a clear conflict of interest, raise serious national security questions and invite foreign influence.”
Congressman Ritchie Torres called for a Government Accountability Office investigation, labeling it potentially “the most valuable gift ever conferred on a president by a foreign government.”
Senator Adam Schiff cited the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, stating that no elected official could accept “any present... of any kind whatever” from the leader of a foreign state without congressional approval as quoted by the BBC.
Even Trump supporters, such as Daily Wire podcaster Ben Shapiro, criticized the move as “skeezy,” questioning its alignment with Trump’s agenda.
Far-right influencer Laura Loomer called it “such a stain” on the administration.
A Qatari spokesman disputed the “gift” label, calling it a possible “temporary use” arrangement.
The offer aligns with Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, including Qatar, and follows his company’s recent luxury golf resort deal there.
With Boeing delayed in delivering two new Air Force One planes, this interim solution has sparked debate about distracting from those efforts.
Georgetown law professor David Super told the BBC, “It certainly stinks, but formally it’s a transfer to the [US] government, not the office holder.”
Yet, he warned that personal use after Trump’s term could deem it an illegal gift.
With Republican dominance in Congress, opposition may struggle to halt the transfer.