The government of Qatar has given the United States a Boeing 747 jet worth around $400 million. Former President Donald Trump praised the gift, calling it a “great gesture” and a win for taxpayers. The U.S. Department of Defense accepted the plane, saying it followed all legal steps.
Trump said the jet would serve as Air Force One if he returns to the White House. He added that the gift saves public money and reduces defense spending. However, legal experts and lawmakers raised red flags over the gift’s legality and national security risks.
New Presidential Jet Sparks Praise and Criticism
The aircraft, a top-end Boeing 747, is designed for long-range travel and luxury. It will be modified with security features before any presidential use. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the plane on behalf of the Pentagon. Defense spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that all U.S. laws and federal rules were followed.
Trump briefly commented when asked about the gift:
“They are giving the United States Air Force a jet,” he said.
He later used Truth Social to defend the decision, saying the gift avoids major spending.
“It’s public, legal, and transparent. A smart deal for America,” Trump posted.
According to official sources, the aircraft will serve as Air Force One until at least January 2029. After Trump’s term ends, it will go to his presidential library foundation for future display.
Emoluments Clause Concerns in Congress
Many lawmakers expressed concern over the deal. The U.S. Constitution includes the Emoluments Clause, which bans federal officials from taking gifts from foreign governments without Congress’s okay. Critics say this deal could break that rule.
Senator Chuck Schumer spoke out strongly, saying:
“Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar.”
He added that the gift could be seen as a luxury bribe, not a simple donation. Other lawmakers warned of possible spying risks if foreign-made jets are used for top-level travel. Air Force One usually includes:
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Secure communications systems
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Anti-missile defenses
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Emergency command features
Experts said any foreign-made system must be carefully checked before being used for U.S. leadership.
Ethics Groups Call the Move “Unprecedented”
Jordan Libowitz from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington called the gift shocking:
“No other U.S. president has accepted a gift of this size. It’s unheard of.”
He added that even all gifts to past presidents combined don’t equal this offer. Qatar’s Boeing 747 is believed to be a VIP version, which costs far more than the base model. A regular 747 starts at $367 million, but luxury upgrades can push that to $600 million or more.
Experts say this aircraft likely falls in the middle, at about $400 million. The final price tag depends on:
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Interior design
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Security systems
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Fuel and range upgrades
U.S. Defense Prepares Plane for Presidential Use
The U.S. military now plans to upgrade the aircraft. Technicians will add encryption tools, radar protection, and anti-hacking software. Until the work is done, the plane will remain grounded.
Meanwhile, critics are calling for further review by Congress. Several ethics groups asked for a full audit and public hearings. They argue that this type of gift could set a dangerous precedent.
While the Trump team insists the deal is legal, questions remain. Critics want more details about how the gift was arranged, who approved it, and what Qatar may gain in return. Supporters see it as smart diplomacy and a win for public budgets.
As Congress debates and experts weigh in, the jet sits in a secure hangar awaiting upgrades. Whether this gift becomes a model or a mistake is still up for discussion.