Trump Accepts Qatari Jet
The Trump administration has officially accepted a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar as a potential replacement for Air Force One, igniting bipartisan concerns over national security and constitutional legality.
The Department of Defense confirmed the acceptance of the aircraft—originally owned by Qatar’s royal family—on May 21, 2025. The jet is currently undergoing extensive security retrofitting in San Antonio, Texas, to meet the strict operational standards of Air Force One, including secure communications, missile defense systems, and electromagnetic pulse protection.
While President Trump accepts Qatari jet, he emphasized that the decision was a taxpayer win. “This will save American money,” Trump said, adding that the aircraft will be donated to his presidential library after his term ends.
However, the decision to accept a foreign luxury aircraft has drawn harsh criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Critics argue that Trump’s acceptance of the Qatari jet may violate the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which forbids federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional consent.
“This is a blatant breach of constitutional ethics,” one senior Democratic aide told The Washington Post. “Even if the jet was offered as a discount or symbolic gift, it sets a dangerous precedent.”
Qatar’s Boeing 747-8, is outfitted with lavish bedrooms, lounges, and gold-trimmed interiors. The aircraft is not expected to be flight-ready for presidential duty for several years. Experts have questioned whether it will even be completed before the end of Trump’s current term—raising additional doubts about the motives and timing of the acquisition.
