Instead of a 40-year-old Air Force One, they (Qatar) are giving our Department of Defense a 747 plane for free. Democrats are upset to see this.
The Qatari royal family will gift US President Donald Trump a luxury jumbo jet (Boeing 747-8). Trump can use the plane as his new Air Force One.
The news of this gift came as the US president prepares for his first major foreign trip. Donald Trump is on this trip to sign several agreements related to security and US investment in the Gulf countries.
The report said that Qatar spent about $400 million (£300 million) to build the plane. The plane has all the amenities of a house, including a dining room, bedroom, boardroom, library. Hence, it has been named ‘Flying Palace’ or ‘Flying Palace’. This ‘Boeing 747-8’ is believed to be one of the most expensive aircraft received by the US government.
US sources say that the luxury aircraft is being prepared to be sent to the United States from Qatar. Some more additions are being made to it as Air Force One. Especially security systems and other technologies will be installed. Which is why it may take some more time.
Trump toured the Boeing 747 aircraft at Palm Beach International Airport in February. He was reportedly very fond of it. At that time, the New York Times reported that this aircraft was the potential new Air Force One.
However, Trump may also face some legal complications. Because according to the US Constitution, there are some restrictions on accepting gifts from foreign governments. The president or other federal officials cannot accept any gifts or financial benefits from foreign governments unless approved by the US Congress. If this aircraft is accepted as a gift, Congressional approval is required.
Although the White House and the Justice Department argue that the gift is not unconstitutional; Because it is not being given to an individual. Lawyers for both the White House and the US Justice Department have drafted an analysis for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In which it is concluded that it would be legal for the Pentagon to accept the plane as a gift and then transfer it to the Trump Library.
They said that the plane will be transferred to the Library Foundation by January 2029, at the end of Trump’s term, and the US Air Force will pay for the transfer.
Trump has expressed disappointment over the matter. On Sunday (May 11), Trump posted on his social media ‘Truth Social’, saying, ‘Instead of a 40-year-old Air Force One, they (Qatar) are giving our Department of Defense a 747 aircraft for free. Democrats are upset to see this.’
The two Boeing 747-200B aircraft that currently carry US presidents have been in use since 1990-91.
