President Donald Trump is at the center of a political storm after revealing he plans to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar’s royal family. The aircraft—valued at $400 million and dubbed a “flying palace”—is expected to temporarily serve as Air Force One until the new fleet arrives in 2029. Trump also stated the jet would eventually be donated to his presidential library foundation.
Although Trump’s legal team insists the arrangement is legal—arguing the jet will be transferred to the U.S. Air Force—critics say it could violate the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars federal officials from receiving gifts from foreign governments without congressional consent. Lawmakers, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy, are demanding an investigation, citing national security risks and foreign influence concerns.
The Qatari government acknowledged discussions but claimed no final decision has been made. Meanwhile, Trump confirmed the plan on social media, framing it as transparent and cost-saving. The jet, previously owned by Qatar’s royal family, is undergoing modifications to meet U.S. presidential standards, reportedly at the military’s expense.
This wouldn’t be the first time Qatar has given a luxury aircraft to a world leader—it gifted a similar jet to Turkey’s President Erdoğan in 2018. As Trump prepares for a visit to Qatar, the controversy continues to build, with both legal and ethical questions surrounding the high-profile gift.
