Trump plans to accept $400 Million luxury 747 from Qatar for use as Air Force One

Trump plans to accept luxury 747 from Qatar to use as Air Force One

The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to accept a Boeing 747-8 aircraft from the Qatari royal family as a gift, with intentions to modify it for use as Air Force One, according to a source familiar with the development.

The luxury aircraft, valued at around $400 million, would rank among the most expensive gifts ever received by the US government. According to a source cited by Reuters, the plane is expected to be donated to Donald Trump’s presidential library once he leaves office.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that the Department of Defense is set to receive a Boeing 747 aircraft as a gift to serve as a temporary replacement for the aging Air Force One. In his post, he wrote:

"So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA."

Democrats and good government advocates said it was unethical and likely unconstitutional for Qatar to make such a gift.

"Nothing says 'America First' like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X. "It's not just bribery, it's premium foreign influence with extra legroom."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, "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."

A spokesperson for Qatar, Ali Al-Ansari, told the New York Times that the potential transfer of the Boeing 747-8 aircraft is still being evaluated and that "no decision has been made," according to the newspaper.

The initial report about the proposed gift was published by ABC News on Sunday.

Trump has previously voiced dissatisfaction over the delays in the delivery of two upgraded 747-8 jets designated to replace the current Air Force One. During his first term, he had brokered a deal with Boeing to have the aircraft ready by 2024. However, a U.S. Air Force official informed Congress last week that Boeing now aims to complete the project by 2027.

In February, Trump toured the Qatari-owned 747-8 while it was stationed at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida, near his Mar-a-Lago residence. At the time, the White House stated that the visit was intended for Trump to gain insight into the interior configuration planned for the new Air Force One aircraft.

(With Reuters input)