AhlulBayt News Agency: The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to receive a high-end Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family, potentially serving as Air Force One.
Initially, the aircraft gift was expected to be announced during Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar—his first overseas trip of his second term. However, sources familiar with the plan told ABC News that the jet will not be formally presented during this week’s visit.
A senior White House official clarified that, while Trump has acknowledged his administration’s plans to acquire the jet, the process remains a "very public and transparent transaction" coordinated through the Defense Department.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that Trump has privately referred to the anticipated Qatari gift as "one of my new big, beautiful planes." If finalized, this agreement would mark the most valuable foreign government gift ever given to the United States.
Trump personally inspected the aircraft during its stop at West Palm Beach International Airport in February. The unique arrangement has already sparked legal discussions regarding the Trump Presidential Library Foundation’s acceptance of such a costly gift.
Legal teams from both the White House Counsel’s Office and the Justice Department conducted a joint review for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They concluded that the proposed aircraft transfer complies with all legal requirements.
Their analysis determined that the Defense Department could properly accept the plane without violating federal bribery laws or constitutional restrictions. Specifically, they found that the arrangement does not violate the Emoluments Clause, which prevents US officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments.
However, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer criticized the potential deal on social media, writing, "Nothing says 'America First' like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery—it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom."
Trump’s ties with Qatar have strengthened in recent weeks. The Trump Organization recently announced plans to build a golf course in Qatar in partnership with Qatari Diar, the real estate arm of the country’s sovereign wealth fund.
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