By BlogHear News Team | May 13, 2025 | BlogHear.com
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is defending a controversial plan to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar for use as a temporary Air Force One, describing the offer as a “gift” and a “very nice gesture.” The move has drawn bipartisan criticism and sparked fresh legal and ethical questions regarding foreign influence and constitutional boundaries.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump stated, “They’re giving us a gift. I’d be a stupid person not to accept it.” He added that the United States has long supported Qatar in matters of “security and safety,” and praised the country’s leadership ahead of his upcoming visit.
Qatar Disputes “Gift” Label
In contrast to Trump’s characterization, a spokesperson for the Qatari government clarified that the aircraft is not a gift, but rather a matter “under discussion” between the two governments for “temporary use.”
The aircraft in question is a state-of-the-art Boeing 747-8, reportedly valued at $400 million and described by ABC News as a “flying palace.” Sources say the jet would require significant retrofitting and security clearance before becoming operational.
The plan comes as the U.S. awaits the delivery of two new Boeing 747-8s, originally commissioned during Trump’s first term but delayed due to production setbacks. Trump has publicly criticized Boeing over the delays earlier this year.
Legal Concerns Cited by Lawmakers
The potential transfer has triggered concerns over the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which bars elected officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. Critics say such a transaction could create a conflict of interest or even violate constitutional law.
Representative Adam Schiff quoted the Constitution directly on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that “no elected official can accept any present… of any kind whatever” from a foreign state without the consent of Congress.
Representative Ritchie Torres has requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate, calling the aircraft “possibly the most valuable gift ever conferred on a president by a foreign government.”
Criticism From Allies and Opponents Alike
The backlash has extended beyond the political left. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro called the deal “skeezy,” questioning whether it aligns with Trump’s commitment to “drain the swamp.”
Even far-right activist Laura Loomer, a vocal Trump supporter, expressed disapproval, calling the potential acceptance of the plane “such a stain” on his administration, despite claiming she would “take a bullet” for the president.
White House Response: “Full Compliance”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the plan on Sunday, saying: “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency.”
The administration also emphasized that the plane would be transferred to Trump’s presidential library after his term ends, similar to how Ronald Reagan’s library houses a retired Air Force One aircraft.
Ongoing Scrutiny
Critics argue that the plane’s temporary use—even if formally transferred to the government—could still create legal and ethical concerns, especially if it grants Trump any long-term benefit.
“This certainly stinks,” said David Super, a Georgetown law professor, in comments to the BBC. “But formally it’s a transfer to the government, not the office holder.” He added that Congress could attempt to protest the move through a resolution, though action is unlikely with Republicans controlling both chambers.
This development comes just weeks after Trump’s company signed a deal to develop a luxury golf resort in Qatar—his first foreign business deal since returning to office in January.
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