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Washington D.C. – The Trump administration is reportedly considering accepting a lavish Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family, potentially to be used as Air Force One. Sources familiar with the arrangement told ABC News that this unprecedented gift could be the most valuable ever given to the U.S. by a foreign government.
The proposed plan involves the luxury jet being available for President Trump’s use as Air Force One until near the end of his term. Afterward, ownership would transfer to the Trump presidential library foundation.
While an official announcement was initially expected during President Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar, a senior White House official stated the gift will not be presented during this trip.
The aircraft, known as “a flying palace” due to its opulent configuration, was previously toured by President Trump at West Palm Beach International Airport in February.
Legal and Ethical Questions Arise
This unique arrangement is expected to spark debate regarding the legality of the Trump administration and the Trump presidential library foundation accepting such a valuable gift from a foreign entity.
According to sources, White House and Department of Justice lawyers have analyzed the situation. Their analysis concluded that the Department of Defense could legally accept the aircraft as a gift and later transfer it to the Trump library, without violating bribery laws or the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which prohibits U.S. officials from accepting gifts from foreign states.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly provided a legal memorandum, stating it would be “legally permissible” for the donation to be conditioned on transferring ownership to Trump’s presidential library before his term ends.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws,” and emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency.
Qatar’s media attaché, Ali Al-Ansari, indicated that the transfer of an aircraft for “temporary use” as Air Force One is under consideration by both Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Logistics and Modifications
The plane is slated to be initially transferred to the United States Air Force, which will modify the 13-year-old aircraft to meet U.S. military specifications for presidential transport. Following these modifications, the plane will be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation by January 1, 2029, with the U.S. Air Force covering the associated costs.
Aviation industry experts estimate the aircraft’s value at approximately $400 million, excluding the additional communications and security equipment the Air Force will need to install.
Addressing Delays in Air Force One Replacement
The current Air Force One fleet utilizes two aging Boeing 747-200 jumbo jets, operational since 1990. The Air Force’s contract with Boeing to replace these aircraft has faced significant delays and cost overruns.
While the initial contract was signed in 2018, Boeing anticipates the new aircraft will not be ready until 2027, a delay President Trump has expressed frustration over. Efforts are underway to expedite the process.