Flying Palace or Political Turbulence?

Air Force One's Alternative ‘Flying Palace’: The Qatari ‘Gift’ That Could Land Trump in Trouble

The recent discussions between the White House and Qatar’s royal family have focused on a luxury jumbo jet. This lavish aircraft might be handed over for use as Air Force One by the President of the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended the White House’s plan to use a jet received from Qatar as the presidential aircraft, Air Force One.

Speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump said, “They (Qatar) are giving a gift.” He added that refusing it would be “foolish.”

However, in a statement, Qatar said the aircraft is not a gift, though a "temporary transfer" of the aircraft is under discussion between the two countries.

According to BBC’s U.S. partner CBS News, the aircraft would be donated to the Presidential Library after Trump’s term ends.

This news comes at a time when Trump is set to visit Qatar next week—his first major foreign trip in his second presidential term.

Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's media attaché to the U.S., said that the discussions are ongoing between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense.

He added that the legal departments of both countries are reviewing the matter, and no final decision has yet been made.

Strict Laws on Presidential Gifts in the U.S.

Reports suggest the jet is worth $400 million. Sources told CBS News it won’t be available for immediate use as several modifications will be made, and security clearance is required.

Critics are expected to raise legal and ethical questions about the aircraft’s potential value and use.

Democrats have accused Trump of ethical violations.

Senator Adam Schiff from California cited the U.S. Constitution on social media, stating that no elected official may accept “any kind of gift” from a foreign leader without Congressional approval.

Even Trump’s ally Laura Loomer criticized the move. She wrote that while she could “take a bullet for Trump,” if the reports are true, this could be a major stain on his administration.

On Sunday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “Any gift from a foreign government can be accepted legally after fulfilling required legal procedures. President Trump’s administration believes in full transparency.”

Defending the negotiations with Qatar, Trump referred to the jet as a “gift” and claimed he was offered its use free of charge.

On Truth Social, he wrote:
“The Department of Defense is receiving a gift. Free. A 747 aircraft that will temporarily replace the 40-year-old Air Force One. It will be a public and transparent transfer. But dishonest Democrats want us to pay a huge amount for this aircraft.”

A ‘Flying Palace’

The White House currently has two Boeing 747-200B planes customized for presidential use. According to the U.S. Air Force, they include special communications equipment, a state room, an office, and a conference room. These aircraft have been in use since 1990 and 1991.

Air Force One planes are often passed on to the next U.S. administration. According to the National Archives, only President Reagan’s Presidential Library has an Air Force One plane. It was used by seven presidents before being donated.

According to ABC News, Qatar has offered Trump a Boeing 737 aircraft. It’s a more modern model, upgraded into a “flying palace.”

Boeing has a history of contracts with the White House for providing new aircraft. However, Trump complained earlier this year that the company has caused delays.

During his first administration, Trump initially negotiated with Boeing for two special 747-8 aircraft. However, Boeing stated that they would not be available until 2027 or 2028.

In February, Trump said:
“No, I’m not happy with Boeing. They’re taking too long with Air Force One. We gave them the contract a long time ago.”

“We might buy an aircraft or make one available for ourselves.”

Trump had a positive diplomatic relationship with Qatar during his first term. In 2019, he announced that Qatar was purchasing U.S. aircraft on a large scale.

Qatar has also given private jets as gifts to several countries in the past. In 2018, Qatar gifted a luxury aircraft to Turkey.