White House and Qatar in Talks Over Luxury Jet Transfer for Air Force One

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In a move stirring significant political and ethical debate, the Trump administration is negotiating with the Qatari government to acquire a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet, potentially serving as a temporary Air Force One. Valued at approximately $400 million, the aircraft—dubbed a “flying palace”—was previously owned by Qatar’s royal family and is currently under consideration for transfer to the U.S. Department of Defense.

President Trump confirmed the discussions on Truth Social, emphasizing the deal’s transparency and cost-saving benefits for the U.S. government. He criticized Democratic opposition, stating, “So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE… so bothers the Crooked Democrats.”

However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and ethics experts. Senator Chuck Schumer remarked, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar,” highlighting concerns over foreign influence.  Representative Ritchie Torres called for an immediate ethics investigation, labeling the deal a “flying grift” and citing potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.

The White House maintains that the arrangement complies with all legal requirements. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws.”  Legal analyses from the White House and Department of Justice suggest that since the aircraft would be donated to the U.S. Air Force and later to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation, it does not constitute a personal gift to the President.

Qatar’s government has clarified that the transfer is still under discussion and has not been finalized. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché to the U.S., stated that the matter remains under review by both nations’ legal departments.

The current Air Force One fleet comprises two aging Boeing 747-200B aircraft, in service since the early 1990s. Delays in Boeing’s delivery of new presidential aircraft, now expected by 2027 or 2028, have prompted the administration to explore alternative solutions.

As President Trump prepares for an upcoming visit to Qatar, the potential acceptance of this luxury jet continues to raise questions about ethics, legality, and the influence of foreign governments on U.S. affairs.