The Trump administration is reportedly considering a proposal to temporarily use a $400 million Boeing 747-8 luxury jet donated by Qatar’s royal family as Air Force One, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Reuters reports that the 12-year-old aircraft, one of the most expensive gifts ever offered to the U.S. government, could later be transferred to Donald Trump’s presidential library following his time in office.
Trump addressed the proposal on his Truth Social platform, defending it as a fiscally responsible move. He criticized Democratic lawmakers for opposing what he described as a transparent and cost-saving initiative.
“The Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE… to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One temporarily… and yet the Crooked Democrats insist we pay TOP DOLLAR instead,” Trump posted.
However, the potential acceptance of the aircraft has triggered sharp criticism from Democratic leaders and ethics groups. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the offer an instance of “foreign influence with extra legroom.”
Critics argue that accepting such a gift could violate the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars federal officials from receiving gifts from foreign states without congressional consent.
The White House responded by stating that any foreign gift would be handled in accordance with legal standards. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency.
Qatari government spokesperson Ali Al-Ansari confirmed ongoing talks between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, though no final decision has been made.
The consideration comes amid delays in the delivery of two Boeing 747-8 aircraft ordered during Trump’s first term to modernize the Air Force One fleet. Those jets are now not expected to arrive until 2027, prompting the search for interim solutions.
Earlier this year, Trump inspected the Qatari aircraft during a visit to West Palm Beach, Florida. Although a formal handover will not occur during his upcoming visit to Qatar, sources told ABC News that legal reviews from the White House and Department of Justice support the proposal’s constitutionality.
Despite these assurances, watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington raised concerns, citing Trump’s past business dealings in the Gulf region.
