Trump’s plan to use a donated Qatari Boeing 747 as Air Force One — and keep it for his library — alarms lawmakers
Donald Trump is planning to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One — a deal that could see the president keep the jet for personal use after leaving office. The move has sparked a wave of ethical and constitutional concerns, particularly over foreign influence and presidential privilege.
The Qatari-owned aircraft, worth around $400 million, would rank among the most valuable foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government. According to multiple American officials, the plane would be retrofitted with military capabilities and temporarily serve as Air Force One before being handed over to Trump’s presidential library — a step that could allow him continued access to the aircraft in private life.
On Sunday night, Trump confirmed the plan on social media and slammed critics, including Democrats, calling them “world-class losers.” He insisted the gift would save taxpayers money, claiming the Pentagon was getting a plane “FREE OF CHARGE” to replace the ageing Air Force One fleet. “Anybody can do that!” he wrote.
While the White House said any foreign gift would be handled in full compliance with U.S. law, bipartisan concerns are mounting. Good government groups say the move blurs the line between Trump’s official duties and personal interests, especially given his past business ties in the Middle East.
“Even in a presidency defined by graft, this is shocking,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen. “It makes clear that U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump is up for sale.”
Trump currently owns a 757 jet dubbed “Trump Force One,” but it pales in comparison to the decade-old Qatari 747, which he toured earlier this year at Palm Beach International Airport. If the plan proceeds, military contractor L3Harris is expected to retrofit the aircraft in Texas once the U.S. formally accepts ownership.
The Qataris initially proposed donating the plane straight to Trump’s library, but that raised red flags. Government lawyers warned such a move would likely violate the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which bars federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional consent.
Now, the aircraft is expected to be gifted to the U.S. government first, then transferred to the Trump library once his term ends. Critics argue that this workaround will still benefit Trump personally, especially if he retains access to the aircraft post-presidency.
Qatari spokesperson Ali Al-Ansari downplayed the reports, insisting the proposal is still under review by legal teams. “No decision has been made,” he said. The White House also denied that any immediate acceptance was planned.
Still, the optics are explosive. Trump is visiting Qatar and other Middle Eastern nations this week on his first extended foreign trip of his second term — a backdrop that only heightens scrutiny.
The Air Force says it hasn’t signed a refurbishment contract yet, and even if the plane is acquired, modifications could take “years, not months,” according to one Defence Department official.
Trump has long fumed over delays and cost overruns tied to Boeing’s new Air Force One jets, repeatedly pressuring the company and even seeking help from Elon Musk to speed up delivery. One idea floated included loosening security clearance standards — a controversial proposal that remains unresolved.
Some officials believe accepting the Qatari plane could push Boeing to act faster. Others say the deal sets a dangerous precedent.
“This isn’t just about a plane,” one ethics watchdog said. “It’s about whether the presidency is still a public trust — or a personal brand.”
