The Trump administration is preparing to receive a high-end Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Qatar’s royal family, which is expected to serve as Air Force One for the remainder of President Trump’s term. ABC News first reported news the gift, which comes as Mr. Trump heads to Qatar as part of his first international trip of his second term.
The aircraft will be transferred to the foundation overseeing his presidential library after Trump’s time in office ends, according to multiple sources. The arrangement will adhere to both U.S. and international regulations, including government ethics standards. President Trump plans to address the agreement during his upcoming visit to Qatar this week, however, the delivery of the jet will take some time.
Discussions around Qatar gifting this particular plane have been ongoing for an extended period. When the formal proposal was recently made, the president “enthusiastically accepted” the offer. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt assured reporters that any gifts from foreign governments are processed lawfully: “All gifts from foreign governments are handled in strict compliance with applicable laws. The Trump Administration remains fully committed to transparency.”
Qatar has offered to donate an aircraft to the Department of Defense. However, they clarified that the gift will not be officially presented or accepted during the president’s visit this week. (per NBC News.) During his time in Qatar, Trump is expected to deliver a speech and meet with American service members stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, according to two U.S. officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is slated to accompany the president during his visit to the base. His itinerary includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
A spokesperson for the Qatari government, however, clarified that “reports suggesting that Qatar is gifting a jet to the United States during President Trump’s upcoming visit are incorrect.” Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché in Washington, added: “Discussions regarding a potential aircraft transfer for temporary use as Air Force One are ongoing between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. The matter is still under legal review, and no final decision has been made.”
The reported deal has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that accepting a gift of such value would require congressional approval. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move, describing it as a blatant example of foreign influence: “Nothing screams ‘America First’ like flying Air Force One courtesy of Qatar. This isn’t just bribery — it’s deluxe foreign influence, complete with extra legroom.”
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders went further, calling the arrangement “corrupt” and in direct violation of the Constitution: “Let me be clear: Donald Trump has no legal or ethical right to accept a $400 million flying palace from Qatar’s royal family. This is not only cartoonishly corrupt but flatly unconstitutional.”
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