Photo: AP Photo / Ben Curtis / File
A $400 million luxury jet being gifted to the US by Qatar could become a new version of Air Force One during Donald Trump's second term — but also a new point of contention in US domestic politics
American president Donald tramp has found himself at the center of fresh controversy after it was confirmed he was ready to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 plane, known as the 'flying palace', as a gift from Qatari royal family. The value of this plane is estimated at around 400 million dollars, which would make it the most expensive gift the US has ever received from a foreign government, according to the media.
The plane, previously owned by the Qatari authorities, is planned as a temporary replacement for the existing Air Force One planes, which date back to the 1990s and are increasingly experiencing technical problems and breakdowns. After passing security checks and the necessary modifications, which will be carried out by the American private military contractor "L3Harris", it is intended to be used by Trump during his second presidential term. The cost of the transfer and adjustment will be borne by the US Air Force, with funds from the taxpayer-funded budget. At the end of his term, no later than January 2029, the plane should be transferred to the ownership of Trump's presidential library, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Although Qatari authorities deny that the gift has already been formalized, Trump himself confirmed the deal on his Truth Social social network, describing it as "transparent" and accusing Democrats of opposing a "free gift with no strings attached." Legal advisers, including Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Counsel David Warrington, argue that accepting the plane does not constitute a bribe because it is not conditional on specific acts, nor is it awarded to Trump personally. The gift will be formally kept as a donation to the US Air Force and then to the Presidential Library. Also, a Qatari official stated that the plane is technically being gifted by the Qatari Ministry of Defense to the US Pentagon, describing it more as a transaction between the two governments and not as a personal gift.
Back in February, Donald Trump toured the plane while it was parked at the Palm Beach airport, and an official announcement of the gift is expected during his upcoming tour of the Middle East, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
However, the reactions of the American public and the political opposition are stormy. Democratic leaders, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Congressman Jamie Raskin, have accused Trump of potentially violating the Constitution, which prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. Raskin pointed out that even temporary use of the aircraft is a gift - and a form of personal gain - if it is later transferred to a private institution, the Guardian reports.
Adding to the concern is the announcement by the Trump Organization, run by his sons, about the planned construction of a $5,5 billion luxury golf complex in Qatar.
Critics point out that this lucrative deal raises doubts about a possible conflict of interest, especially since the news of the gift in the form of a luxury plane arrives only a few days after the announcement of the Qatari investment project with the Trump Organization.
In addition to the political and legal issues, security experts warn of serious risks associated with the Qatari aircraft. A potential donation of the aircraft by a foreign government for presidential use is being described as a "security nightmare," a Secret Service source told CNN. In particular, the danger of surveillance, espionage and even sabotage is emphasized, which is why the security aspect is as worrying as the political one.
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