President Donald Trump’s administration is facing bipartisan scrutiny over plans to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari government to temporarily serve as Air Force One. The move has raised ethical, legal, and national security concerns among lawmakers.
President Trump has defended the plan, writing on his Truth Social platform that it was a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE” and saying the aircraft would later be donated to his presidential library. “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer,” he told reporters on Monday. “I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’”
According to administration officials, the jet would be given by Qatar’s Defense Ministry to the US Department of Defense and retrofitted for presidential use. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the arrangement was “still being worked out” but would comply with all legal requirements. Qatar’s US media attaché confirmed the deal was under review but said no final decision had been made.
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Critics argue the plan may violate the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. “This creates a clear conflict of interest,” said Sen. Chris Murphy. Rep. Ritchie Torres has called for an ethics investigation into the reported gift, labeling it “the most valuable gift ever conferred on a president by a foreign government.”
Even some Republicans expressed unease. Sen. Josh Hawley said he preferred “a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America.” In fact, all Boeing 747 aircraft—including the one offered by Qatar—are manufactured in the United States. However, it was likely customized overseas before being offered to President Trump. Hawley’s comment reflects the widespread concerns about who owns it, how it has been outfitted, and what security and ethical implications are involved in accepting it as a gift.
Sen. Rand Paul said, “I don’t think it looks good or smells good.”
Others, like Sen. Tommy Tuberville, backed the plan, saying it would save money and address delays in Boeing’s replacement program.