Trump May Accept $400m Qatari Jet as Air Force One

President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly considering accepting a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft from the Qatari royal family to serve as a future Air Force One, according to ABC News.

The 12-year-old jet, currently owned by Qatar, would be among the most valuable gifts ever received by the U.S. government, with a new version of the plane valued at approximately $400 million. ABC reported that the aircraft would eventually be transferred to Trump’s presidential library after his time in office.

Democratic leaders and watchdog groups swiftly raised alarm, warning of serious ethical and constitutional issues. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer mocked the move on social media, saying, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar… It’s not only bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”

The White House has not issued a formal response. Meanwhile, Qatari spokesperson Ali Al-Ansari told the New York Times that reports of a finalized deal were “inaccurate,” noting that the transfer was still under consideration.

Trump’s interest in the aircraft follows ongoing frustration over delays in the delivery of two Boeing 747-8s intended to replace the aging Air Force One fleet. Though a deal was made during his first term for a 2024 delivery, officials now expect the planes to be completed by 2027.

Trump toured the Qatari-owned plane in February while it was parked at Palm Beach International Airport, near his Mar-a-Lago residence. According to the White House, the visit was meant to help the president understand potential Air Force One design configurations.

Critics, including Washington-based Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, argued that accepting the jet could violate the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval.

“This sure looks like a foreign country where the president has personal business dealings giving the president a $400 million gift before he meets with their head of state,” said Jordan Libowitz, a spokesperson for the organization.

Trump is scheduled to visit Qatar during a Middle East tour this week.

According to ABC, legal advisers in the White House and the Justice Department have concluded the Defense Department could legally accept the gift and later transfer it to a presidential library. However, controversy over the optics and implications of the decision continues to build.