Trump Set to Accept Qatar's Boeing 747 as Temporary Air Force One
Controversial 400 Million Dollar Gift Raises Legal and Ethical Questions
Donald Trump has been reportedly considering the acceptance of a Boeing 747-8, owned by Qatar, as a temporary replacement for the aging Air Force One.
This aircraft, which is the largest private jet in the world, caught Trump's interest during a visit to Palm Beach International Airport in February, where he admired its luxurious features, including upscale leather interiors and artwork previously owned by Qatar's former Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.
As of Sunday, discussions concerning this arrangement were said to be nearing completion, transforming what was initially a purchase into a controversial gift valued at approximately 400 million dollars, which Trump described as a "public and transparent transaction".
He asserted that the aircraft would be received from the Pentagon as a gesture without any cost.
Critics, however, have raised serious concerns regarding the legality of such a gift, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit a president from accepting gifts from foreign entities without Congressional consent.
This unprecedented move has been labeled as both "illegal" and "unconstitutional" by several legal observers.
The current Air Force One comprises two aging Boeing 747-200Bs that have been in service since 1990, and new models are not expected to be delivered until 2029. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the existing aircraft, viewing it as a diminished status symbol following a series of complaints regarding Boeing's delays in the new order.
According to reports, Trump plans to announce the arrangement during an upcoming visit to three Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar.
Both Qatari officials and the Pentagon have clarified that discussions are still in progress, and post-presidency, Trump would be eligible to use the aircraft privately.
The proposed gifting and Trump's upcoming trip have sparked allegations of potential self-dealing, as his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., are reportedly pursuing various business ventures in the region.
Democratic party members denounce the arrangement as appearing to be "corruption in broad daylight".
Moreover, within his own political circle, skepticism persists.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer characterized the situation on social media as a "gift from jihadists in suits" and expressed concerns regarding its implications for Trump's administration's reputation.
The Boeing 747-8, measuring 76 meters in length, was the largest in its family before production ceased in 2023. Of the 155 units manufactured, 18 remain in operation as private jets.
The specific aircraft under consideration is relatively young at 13 years old, with minimal flight hours.
Previously held by Qatar Amiri, the private aviation wing of the Qatari royal family, this jet is now registered in Aruba, under the designation P4-HBJ.
This is not the first instance of the Qatari government gifting aircraft; in 2018, Qatar gifted a similar 747-8 to Turkey when no purchase agreement was reached with Turkish officials.
Although legal concerns loom, technical modifications are required before the jet can serve as Air Force One.
Presidential aircraft come equipped with advanced communication and defense systems, along with the capabilities for mid-air refueling and prolonged ground support operation.
The Boeing 747-8 was last observed in San Antonio, Texas, which hosts the military technology firm L3Harris, known for its work on the modification of official government aircraft, suggesting that preparations for the Qatari plane may already be underway.
This aircraft, which is the largest private jet in the world, caught Trump's interest during a visit to Palm Beach International Airport in February, where he admired its luxurious features, including upscale leather interiors and artwork previously owned by Qatar's former Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.
As of Sunday, discussions concerning this arrangement were said to be nearing completion, transforming what was initially a purchase into a controversial gift valued at approximately 400 million dollars, which Trump described as a "public and transparent transaction".
He asserted that the aircraft would be received from the Pentagon as a gesture without any cost.
Critics, however, have raised serious concerns regarding the legality of such a gift, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit a president from accepting gifts from foreign entities without Congressional consent.
This unprecedented move has been labeled as both "illegal" and "unconstitutional" by several legal observers.
The current Air Force One comprises two aging Boeing 747-200Bs that have been in service since 1990, and new models are not expected to be delivered until 2029. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the existing aircraft, viewing it as a diminished status symbol following a series of complaints regarding Boeing's delays in the new order.
According to reports, Trump plans to announce the arrangement during an upcoming visit to three Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar.
Both Qatari officials and the Pentagon have clarified that discussions are still in progress, and post-presidency, Trump would be eligible to use the aircraft privately.
The proposed gifting and Trump's upcoming trip have sparked allegations of potential self-dealing, as his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., are reportedly pursuing various business ventures in the region.
Democratic party members denounce the arrangement as appearing to be "corruption in broad daylight".
Moreover, within his own political circle, skepticism persists.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer characterized the situation on social media as a "gift from jihadists in suits" and expressed concerns regarding its implications for Trump's administration's reputation.
The Boeing 747-8, measuring 76 meters in length, was the largest in its family before production ceased in 2023. Of the 155 units manufactured, 18 remain in operation as private jets.
The specific aircraft under consideration is relatively young at 13 years old, with minimal flight hours.
Previously held by Qatar Amiri, the private aviation wing of the Qatari royal family, this jet is now registered in Aruba, under the designation P4-HBJ.
This is not the first instance of the Qatari government gifting aircraft; in 2018, Qatar gifted a similar 747-8 to Turkey when no purchase agreement was reached with Turkish officials.
Although legal concerns loom, technical modifications are required before the jet can serve as Air Force One.
Presidential aircraft come equipped with advanced communication and defense systems, along with the capabilities for mid-air refueling and prolonged ground support operation.
The Boeing 747-8 was last observed in San Antonio, Texas, which hosts the military technology firm L3Harris, known for its work on the modification of official government aircraft, suggesting that preparations for the Qatari plane may already be underway.
