President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle after reports emerged that Qatar’s royal family has offered the U.S. government a $400 million Boeing 747-8 luxury jet. The jet, proposed for temporary use as Air Force One and later for Trump’s presidential library, has sparked ethical, legal, and security debates among lawmakers and the public.
Trump responded to the controversy on Truth Social, emphasizing, “The Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction.” He further stated, “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer.”
Timeline of the Trump–Qatar 747 Jet Deal:
Early February 2025: President Trump evaluated a Qatari-owned Boeing 747-8 at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. The jet, initially designed for the Qatari royal family, was described as having a luxurious “palace in the sky” interior.
March–April 2025: Negotiations progressed between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. Legal assessments were undertaken by White House counsel and the Department of Justice to determine whether the U.S. could legally accept the jet as a gift under the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.
Early May 2025: News of the proposed deal became public. Both Trump supporters and critics expressed concerns, focusing not just on legality but also on the optics and political implications of accepting a lavish gift from a Gulf state with connections to groups like Hamas.
Ongoing (mid-May 2025): As of May 16, legal clearance is still pending. Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense continue to evaluate the transfer, with the matter under review by their respective legal teams. If approved, the jet is slated for modification for U.S. presidential use before entering service.
Critics assert that accepting such a gift from a foreign government could breach the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional consent.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared he would impede all Justice Department nominations until the administration divulges details about the deal, underscoring the necessity for transparency and adherence to constitutional guidelines.
Republican lawmakers have also voiced concerns. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri remarked, “I prefer a big, beautiful plane built in the United States, made in America, bought in America.” Similarly, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky cautioned against the appearance of impropriety.
Security experts have highlighted potential risks of retrofitting a foreign aircraft for presidential use. Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory, indicated that converting the jet to meet Air Force One standards would be a substantial project, potentially costing up to $1 billion and taking several years. He stressed that the process would require extensive modifications to ensure secure communications and defense capabilities.
Public reactions have been mixed, with some of Trump’s supporters expressing discontent. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro criticized the plan, stating, “Taking sacks of goodies from people who support Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, Al Jazeera, all the rest—that is not America first.”
Activist Laura Loomer labeled the gift “concerning” and suggested it might complicate foreign policy decisions.
Despite the backlash, Trump remains firm in his decision. Speaking to reporters, he compared the offer to historical gifts like the Statue of Liberty, claiming it would save U.S. taxpayers money. The administration insists that the process is legal and transparent, with U.S. and Qatari legal teams reviewing the plane’s legal status.
The Boeing 747-8 jet, offered to President Donald Trump by Qatar’s royal family, was delivered to Qatar Amiri Flight in April 2012 and utilized by the House of Thani. In June 2023, it was transferred to Global Jet Isle of Man.
Following Trump’s evaluation at West Palm Beach airport, the jet returned to Doha, Qatar. By May 2025, reports indicated that the U.S. federal government had tasked L3Harris with modifying the aircraft at San Antonio International Airport, although the Air Force had not yet taken possession of the plane.
As the situation develops, lawmakers from both parties continue to examine the proposed gift, stressing the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and ensuring national security.
