The Trump administration is set to receive a Boeing 747-8 luxury aircraft from Qatar, intended for use as Air Force One during President Donald Trump’s term. The plane will eventually become Trump’s personal property, as confirmed by multiple sources familiar with the arrangement.
Due to its lavish interior, the aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, has been nicknamed a “flying palace.” It became a focal point during Trump’s visit to Qatar, marking the first international trip of his second term.
On May 14, 2025, Trump visited Qatar as part of his Middle East tour. He was welcomed with an escort of eight fighter jets. He signed significant economic and defense agreements with Qatari officials during the visit.
The 13-year-old Boeing 747-8 was previously used by the Qatari royal family. In February, Trump toured the aircraft at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida.
According to the arrangement, the luxury jet will be handed over to the United States Air Force and modified to meet presidential security requirements. Aviation contractor L3Harris has been assigned to manage these modifications. Once Trump leaves office, ownership of the aircraft will be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation, allowing him continued private access.
On May 12, 2025, President Trump criticized ABC News reporter Rachel Scott when she questioned whether the $400 million luxury jet from Qatar to the Pentagon might be perceived as a personal favor.
The confrontation with Scott, whose network recently paid Trump approximately $16 million in a defamation settlement, occurred during a White House signing ceremony. Trump praised the jet donation and dismissed suggestions of impropriety.
“I’m not the type to refuse an offer like that,” Trump remarked.
The discussion with Scott intensified when she asked how Trump would respond to those viewing the luxury jet as a personal gift.
Trump responded by accusing ABC of being part of the “fake news” media, arguing that only such networks would ask this question. He stated the jet was offered free of charge and questioned if he should reject it or pay a substantial amount for it instead.
On May 11, Trump defended the plan on social media: “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 criticized Democrats who “insist we pay TOP DOLLAR for the plane,” labeling them “World Class Losers!!!!”
The White House emphasized that any gift from a foreign government would be accepted in compliance with all applicable laws. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump’s Administration is committed to full transparency.”
Sources familiar with the legal review reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington concluded it would be “legally permissible” for the Pentagon to accept the aircraft as a gift and later transfer ownership to Trump’s presidential library. They determined that the gift does not constitute bribery as it is not conditioned on any official act and is being given to the U.S. Air Force rather than to Trump personally, thus not violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause.
However, Qatar’s media attaché Ali Al-Ansari issued a statement clarifying that reports of the jet being gifted to the U.S. government during Trump’s visit are inaccurate. He stated that “the possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration” and “the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.”
This arrangement has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer commented on X, “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.”
A group of Democratic senators, including Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Chris Coons of Delaware, Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Chris Murphy of Connecticut, released a joint statement expressing concerns that a president accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign government presents a conflict of interest, raises national security concerns, invites foreign influence, and undermines public trust in the government.
Some of Trump’s supporters have also criticized the arrangement. MAGA influencer Laura Loomer expressed her dissatisfaction on the social media platform X, stating that while she admires former President Trump, she felt the need to be honest about her concerns. Loomer criticized the acceptance of a $400 million “gift” from what she called “jihadists in suits,” alleging that Qatar funds groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Fox News host and Trump supporter Mark Levin echoed Loomer’s concerns, criticizing Qatar’s financial influence over U.S. universities and colleges and its role in promoting anti-American and antisemitic rhetoric while allegedly supporting terrorist groups.
Ethics experts have raised concerns about the gift’s unprecedented nature. Norm Eisen, former special assistant to the president for ethics during the Obama administration, stated that such a transfer would not have been allowed because it raises questions about Trump’s connections to the Qatari royal family.
This issue arises amid Trump’s frustration with Boeing over delays in delivering two new 747-8 aircraft intended to serve as updated Air Force One planes. The original contract was signed in 2018, but Boeing’s latest delivery estimate is 2027, two years before Trump leaves office. The current Air Force One fleet comprises two Boeing 747-200 jets that have been operational since 1990.
Trump has tasked Elon Musk with collaborating with Boeing and the Air Force to expedite the delivery process. In February, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Boeing while touring the Qatari-owned 747 in West Palm Beach.
The Trump Organization, now managed by Trump’s sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, has business interests in Qatar. It recently signed a deal to develop a luxury golf resort in partnership with Qatari Diar, a real estate company backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
The timeline for the aircraft’s readiness for presidential use is unclear, but sources suggest it could be operational by the end of the year after necessary modifications to meet U.S. military and presidential standards.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has postponed the confirmation of President Trump’s Justice Department nominees pending a complete account of the jet deal.
