2025-05-13T20:44:31Z

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Former President Donald Trump has made headlines with his announcement regarding a lavish gift from the Qatari royal family: a luxury Boeing BA.N 747-8 jet valued at approximately $400 million. This extravagant aircraft is set to be donated to the US Department of Defense, with plans to retrofit it for use as Air Force One, the official aircraft responsible for transporting the President of the United States.

The Boeing BA.N 747-8, often referred to as “the queen of the skies,” boasts the capability to carry up to 100 passengers over a staggering distance of 17,000 kilometers without requiring refueling. This remarkable aircraft features a spacious cabin area measuring 481.2 square meters, which includes a boardroom, lounge, VIP bedrooms, and accommodations for staff.

Despite various concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, Trump has firmly stated that he views the acceptance of this generous gift as a practical decision. “I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much. I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer,” he remarked during a press briefing at the White House prior to embarking on a trip to the Middle East.

The formal transfer of the aircraft is still under deliberation by Qatar’s Minister of Defense and the US Department of Defense, according to Qatari spokesperson Ali Al-Ansari. However, reports indicate that the Trump administration has already declared the acceptance of the plane to be legal, with the stipulation that it may eventually be donated to Trump’s presidential library following his departure from office.

In his remarks, Trump has brushed aside ethical objections regarding the acceptance of such a significant gift from a foreign government. The aircraft will undergo extensive modifications to meet the stringent standards required for Air Force One, which necessitates advanced security measures, significant electronic and communication systems, and the ability to refuel in-flight. Military contractor L3Harris is expected to carry out the necessary retrofitting.

However, experts caution that these modifications could prove to be a costly endeavor for US taxpayers. Congressman Joe Courtney, a leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, expressed concerns, emphasizing that the aircraft would need substantial alterations to fulfill the security and communication requirements of a presidential aircraft. “You’d basically have to tear the plane down to the studs and rebuild it,” he stated, highlighting that such extensive modifications might take “years, not months.”

Democratic Senators Brian Schatz, Chris Murphy, Cory Booker, and Chris Coons issued a joint statement raising alarms over the potential conflict of interest this gift could create, as well as the broader implications for national security and foreign influence.

Mark Rolfe, a propaganda expert from the University of New South Wales, commented on Trump’s apparent infatuation with the opulence of the aircraft and its luxury fittings, drawing parallels to Trump’s historical preference for lavish decor in his personal ventures. “Air Force One has to be a flying command center for the president to conduct nuclear war and communicate with all sections of the US military,” he noted, illustrating the stark contrast between the aircraft's glamorous appearance and its critical functional requirements.

In a recent development, the Trump family secured a deal to construct a luxury golf resort in Qatar, which will showcase Trump-branded beachside villas and an 18-hole golf course. This venture further complicates the narrative surrounding Trump's acceptance of the jet, as it raises questions about his business dealings in the region.

Despite the criticism, the Trump administration argues that accepting the Qatari plane is a sensible choice amid ongoing delays with Boeing's provision of new aircraft for the Air Force One fleet. Trump has previously expressed frustration over these delays, stating, “There’s no excuse for it,” and hinted at exploring alternative options, including the purchase of refurbished jets.