Controversy Erupts Over Qatari Gift of Boeing 747-8 for Air Force One

The Trump administration plans to accept a Boeing 747-8 airplane from the Qatari royal family to serve as Air Force One temporarily. The proposed gift has sparked criticism, with concerns over ethics and legality. Discussions between Qatar and the U.S. Department of Defense are ongoing.

The Trump administration's intention to accept a Boeing 747-8 as a gift from Qatar, intended to serve temporarily as Air Force One, has ignited controversy. According to insiders, the plane, valued at approximately $400 million, would eventually be donated to Donald Trump's presidential library upon his departure from office.

In a late Sunday post on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed the proposal, framing it as a transparent transaction that upsets Democrats who, he claims, want the U.S. to pay for the replacement aircraft. The issue has been deemed unethical and potentially unconstitutional by critics including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, citing concerns over foreign influence.

White House officials stress that all gifts are accepted lawfully, while the Qatari government confirmed ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense. Trump's frustration with delayed delivery of two new Air Force One models has fueled the debate. Officials have yet to reach a resolution, as legal reviews are said to be ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)