On Sunday, President Donald Trump posted on social media that the US Department of Defense will receive a Boeing 747-8 aircraft gifted by the Qatari government to replace the “40-year-old Air Force One”. He stated that this aircraft will serve as a temporary solution for his visit to Qatar this week.
Critics from the Democratic Party and anti-corruption advocates have slammed this move as “blatant corruption” and unethical, possibly violating the emoluments clause of the US Constitution.
Norm Eisen, a critic of Trump and former White House ethics chief, described the move as “illegal and unconstitutional”.
Laura Loomer, a supporter of Trump, also commented that if this deal is true, it will “tarnish the government”.
President Trump mentioned in his post that this transaction is “very open and transparent”, accusing Democrats of making a fuss over this gift and using it as an opportunity to attack him.
ABC News initially reported on this proposed gift, but the Qatari government stated that the report was “inaccurate”, confirming that they are currently considering using an aircraft as a temporary Air Force One. Ali Al-Ansari, the media attaché at the Qatari Embassy in Washington, mentioned that “this matter is still under review by relevant legal departments and no decision has been made yet.”
The 747 aircraft, in service for over a decade, is one of the most luxurious private jets in the world, valued at $400 million. According to The New York Times, President Trump visited this aircraft at the Palm Beach International Airport in February.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday, “The Qatari government generously proposed donating an aircraft to the Department of Defense, and the legal details are still being negotiated.”
She also mentioned, “Any donations to this administration will fully comply with the law, we promise to be as transparent as possible, and we will continue to do so.”
When asked if the White House is concerned about Qatar seeking favors in return, Leavitt said, “Absolutely not, because they understand President Trump, they know he will always prioritize the interests of the American public.”
(This article references reports from the Financial Times and Reuters)