Donald Trump is set to receive a luxury aircraft from Qatar. The jet will serve as a temporary version of Air Force One during his second term. Later, the plane will be handed over to his presidential library foundation.
The plane is worth about $400 million. Aviation experts say it will first be upgraded by the U.S. Air Force. After Trump’s presidency ends, the aircraft will be donated to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
Qatar’s Gift Plan for Trump
Qatar is working with the U.S. Department of Defense on this plan. Officials in Doha say the transfer is still under review. The aircraft is 13 years old and known for its rich interior. People who have seen it call it a “flying palace.”
Trump toured the plane earlier this year in Florida. That visit happened in February at West Palm Beach International Airport.
Originally, Qatar planned to announce the gift during Trump’s current visit. However, officials decided to delay the public reveal. A White House source confirmed that the plane will not be given while Trump is in Qatar.
Legal Steps Already Taken
Many people are asking if this deal is legal. U.S. law says that no official can accept gifts from foreign governments. This rule is called the emoluments clause. It exists to stop foreign influence on American leaders.
However, legal experts say this case is different. According to sources, lawyers from the White House and Department of Justice reviewed the plan. They concluded that the Defense Department can accept the jet.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington worked on the legal review. Bondi even wrote a memo confirming the gift is allowed, as long as it goes to the Trump Library Foundation later.
Because of these steps, officials believe the gift follows all legal rules.
Who Will Pay and What Happens Next
The U.S. Air Force will take the jet first. It will modify the plane with secure communication tools and other safety features. These changes are needed for any aircraft that carries the president.
All costs for the upgrade will be paid by the Air Force. After the modifications, Trump will use the jet as a temporary Air Force One.
By January 1, 2029, the plane will be handed over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. This condition was set during the legal review.
Trump Confirms the Plan Publicly
On social media, Trump said the jet deal is clear and legal. He called it a “very public and transparent transaction” between his administration and the Pentagon.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also made a statement. She said the Trump administration always follows the law when accepting gifts from foreign nations.
Qatar’s media attaché, Ali Al-Ansari, added that both countries are still discussing the details. He confirmed the temporary use of the plane is being considered by the Ministry of Defense.
Reactions and Possible Concerns
The plan has raised many eyebrows. Experts say it is very rare for a foreign country to offer such a gift. Some people fear that gifts like this could lead to foreign influence.
Others worry about how the public will react. Even though the deal appears legal, it could still spark debate.
Ethics groups say the gift could set a risky example. Future presidents might face similar offers, leading to more legal and ethical questions.
Still, Trump supporters say the arrangement is legal and helps strengthen U.S.-Qatar ties.
What Makes the Jet Special
The jet is not an ordinary plane. It includes gold fixtures, luxury seating, and high-end décor. Aviation experts believe its market value could rise further after U.S. military upgrades.
Even without those updates, the plane is already one of the most expensive private jets in the world.
According to multiple sources, the Defense Department sees no problem with using it temporarily. Officials believe it meets all standards for presidential use after modification.
