President Donald Trump’s administration plans to accept a Boeing 747-8 jet known as the “flying palace” from Qatar’s royal family to be used as a temporary Air Force One.
If both parties go through with the discussed plans, Trump will spend the duration of his term flying in a jet used by Qatar’s royals after it undergoes heavy modifications to fit the high standards necessary for Air Force One, according to ABC News, citing anonymous sources.
In 2018, Boeing won a $3.9 billion contract to produce new jets to be used as Air Force One by 2024; however, due to delays, Boeing has pushed back its completion of the project to 2029.
Trump announced his intent to accept the luxury jet in a post shared on Truth Social. He said the jet will be given in what he called a “very public and transparent transaction.” He then criticized the Democrats opposing this gift as “World Class Losers!!!” saying that they “insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane.”
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland criticized the constitutionality of the gift, saying, “Trump must seek Congress’ consent” to receive a gift from a foreign state.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said this exchange is “not just bribery, it’s a premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
The Trump administration asserts that the arrangement is justified as it is not a part of any official act.
The jet would be gifted to the Department of Defense until Boeing’s contract can be fulfilled. The jet would then be donated to Trump’s presidential library, according to ABC News.
A spokesperson for Qatar told Reuters that the transfer is still under consideration. (RELATED: American Woman Faye Hall Freed From Taliban Detention In Afghanistan, Thanks Trump)
Trump is set to visit Qatar soon in his tour of the Middle East, although he will not be accepting the jet during his stay, according to Reuters.
