While overseas in Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump addressed concerns over a massive gift from Qatar—a $400 million Boeing 747—clarifying that the aircraft will be transferred to the Department of Defense rather than for his personal use.
The offer from Qatar’s ruling family involved a luxury jumbo jet, intended as a temporary replacement for Air Force One, given the delays in production of newer models.
Responding to accusations that the gift might violate legal boundaries, the White House reiterated that any such donations from foreign governments undergo strict legal scrutiny and are only accepted in accordance with all applicable laws.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account while traveling in the Middle East. “It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive.”
Despite the clarification, some members of Congress raised red flags. Representative Ritchie Torres of New York asked the Government Accountability Office to probe the matter, suggesting the gift might breach the Constitution’s emoluments clause.
“I am writing to express alarm over reports that President Donald Trump is poised to accept a luxury aircraft — a Boeing 747-8 — from the government of Qatar. The plane, so opulent it has been described as a ‘palace in the sky,’ is set to be made available to President Trump for official use as Air Force One and then for private use once he leaves office,” Torres wrote.
Trump pushed back against the criticism, noting that accepting the plane at no cost to American taxpayers is not only practical, but financially beneficial.
“This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote. “Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
According to ABC News, Trump personally inspected the aircraft in February while it was parked at West Palm Beach Airport, signaling his interest and involvement in the evaluation process.
Meanwhile, the proposed transfer is reportedly undergoing careful examination by the White House legal team and the Department of Justice to ensure full compliance with all regulations surrounding high-value foreign gifts.
Currently, the Air Force One fleet consists of two planes. Back in 2018, Trump authorized a $3.9 billion deal with Boeing to build updated replacements. However, the completion of those new aircraft has been delayed, with delivery now expected in 2029.
{Matzav.com}