United States President Donald Trump has defended negotiations about using a luxurious jumbo jet from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One, a proposal that has drawn both support and criticism. According to Trump, the negotiations are part of a transparent and cost-effective approach while new presidential jets are being built.
“They’re giving us a gift,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House on Monday, May 12, 2025. He added, “I would be a stupid person if I did not accept it.”
However, a Qatar spokeswoman called the idea of a “gift” “inaccurate,” explaining that the conversations entailed a temporary transfer of the aircraft. “The matter is being reviewed by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made,” said Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché to the United States.
The talks take place as Trump prepares to travel to Qatar, which will be his first significant overseas trip of his second term. Trump emphasized Qatar’s significant investments in Boeing aircraft manufactured in the United States, highlighting the two countries’ close security ties.
“They knew about it because they buy Boeings,” Trump explained. “And if we can get a 747 as a contribution to our Defense Department… while they’re building the other ones, I think that was a very nice gesture.”
The aircraft in question, a Boeing 747-8 allegedly worth $400 million, would require modification and security clearance before usage. According to CBS News, the jet could be handed to Trump’s presidential library once he leaves office.
The planned deal has sparked intense controversy. Critics, particularly Democrats, have highlighted concerns about ethical infractions and constitutional compliance. Senator Adam Schiff referenced the US Constitution, which forbids elected officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional authorization.
Representative Ritchie Torres called for a Government Accountability Office investigation, labeling the aircraft as “the most valuable gift ever conferred on a president by a foreign government.”
Even some of Trump’s allies voiced concern. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer said, “This is really going to be such a stain on the administration if this is true.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the allegations, stating that any foreign gift would comply fully with U.S. laws. “President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency,” she said on Sunday.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump defended the negotiations: “The fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft… so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane.”
The White House currently operates two Boeing 747-200B aircraft for presidential usage. These jets, which have been in service since the early 1990s, are scheduled for replacement under a deal with Boeing. However, production delays have pushed the delivery date for the new planes to 2027 or 2028.
Qatar has a history of sending private jets as presents to other countries, including a luxury plane given to Turkey in 2018. The United States and Qatar have a strong diplomatic connection, which is enhanced by Qatar’s purchase of American planes and military partnership.
