Donald Trump is set to accept a luxury aircraft from the Qatari royal family, a move raising legal and ethical questions. The plane, a Boeing 747-8 valued at $400 million, will reportedly be announced as a gift during Trump’s upcoming tour of the Middle East.
According to sources close to the former president, the aircraft will not be received by Trump personally. Instead, the U.S. Air Force is expected to take ownership. Officials will modify the plane for future use as Air Force One if Trump wins a second term.
The Qatari gift is sparking public debate, with critics warning of constitutional violations, national security risks, and possible conflicts of interest related to Trump’s private business ventures.
Luxury Jet to Become Future Air Force One?
Trump first viewed the Qatari aircraft in February at West Palm Beach Airport. The former president reportedly expressed interest in using it as the official presidential aircraft if re-elected in 2024.
The U.S. military would be responsible for the conversion. The aircraft must meet strict standards for communication, defense, and long-distance travel. These upgrades will be funded by U.S. taxpayers, not the Qatari government.
Trump’s team says the aircraft would later be donated to his presidential library foundation at the end of a potential second term, no later than January 1, 2029.
Legal Team Says Gift Is Lawful
Attorneys Pam Bondi and David Warrington, both part of Trump’s legal team, have confirmed the deal is legal under federal law. They argue the gift is directed to the U.S. government — not Trump as a private citizen.
“The plane is not going to Donald Trump. It is going to the United States Air Force,” said Bondi in a statement. “It will serve a national purpose.”
The lawyers also say the jet comes without any strings attached, dismissing bribery concerns raised by critics.
Lawmakers and Analysts Express Alarm
However, the deal has drawn criticism from several lawmakers. Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin called the move unconstitutional. He cited the “foreign emoluments clause” of the U.S. Constitution, which forbids U.S. officials from receiving gifts from foreign states without approval from Congress.
“The Constitution is very clear,” Raskin stated. “A gift of this magnitude from a foreign monarchy must be reviewed and approved by Congress.”
Business Ties to Qatar Raise Red Flags
Political observers also point to Trump’s growing business interests in Qatar. Just days before news of the jet gift, the Trump Organization announced a $5.5 billion luxury golf and resort project in the Gulf state.
“Accepting a $400 million plane from the same country where you just signed a massive real estate deal is a clear conflict of interest,” said political analyst Matt McDermott. “It’s bribery in plain sight.”
National Security Experts Warn of Risks
Juliette Kayyem, a national security expert at Harvard University, has raised concerns about hidden surveillance devices. She warned the jet could be fitted with Qatari tracking or listening technology.
“This isn’t just about ethics — it’s about national security,” Kayyem said. “This aircraft could be a Trojan horse.”
Critics: Air Force One Is Not a Luxury Palace
Medical analyst and former White House physician Jonathan Reiner also criticized the optics of the move.
“Air Force One is a secure military tool, not a flying palace,” he wrote on social media. “This sets a dangerous precedent.”
Journalists have called the jet “the most expensive foreign gift ever offered to a U.S. president.” The new plane would replace Trump’s current Boeing 757, known as “Trump Force One,” which was built in 1991 and lacks modern upgrades.
Ethical Questions Could Follow Trump Into Office
Experts warn the aircraft deal could overshadow Trump’s campaign. If elected, he may face immediate legal scrutiny for accepting the gift, regardless of its final ownership.
Critics say the situation raises deeper concerns about democratic norms and personal gain. “Trump is blurring the line between public service and private enrichment,” one observer noted.
While Donald Trump and his legal team insist the $400 million gift from Qatar is legal and transparent, the controversy is far from over. Lawmakers, ethics experts, and national security professionals are calling for further investigation.