Trump’s plan to accept a jet as gift from Qatar sparks legal, ethical storm

The Trump administration’s plan to accept a lavish Boeing 747-8 aircraft from the royal family of Qatar has drawn fierce criticism from legal experts, lawmakers, and government watchdogs, who argue that such a transaction would raise profound ethical and constitutional concerns.

If completed, the jet—reportedly worth around $400 million—would mark the largest foreign gift ever received by the US government.

According to multiple American officials cited by the New York Times, the aircraft is set to be retrofitted for temporary use as Air Force One, before eventually being donated to President Donald Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office.

Trump confirmed the intended acceptance of the aircraft in a post on Truth Social, calling it a “gift, free of charge,” and accusing Democrats of being outraged by what he characterized as a transparent and practical decision.

“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE… so bothers the Crooked Democrats,” Trump wrote, dismissing the criticism as politically motivated.

Qatar denies offering a gift outright

In a move that appears to contradict Trump’s public statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said no final decision had been made and described the matter as a “temporary use” arrangement under discussion with the US Department of Defense.

Qatari spokesperson Ali Al-Ansari clarified that any potential transfer of the aircraft was still under consideration, denying it had been formally offered as a gift.

In February, Mr. Trump inspected the Qatari-owned Boeing 747, just over ten years old, while it was stationed at Palm Beach International Airport.

At the time, The New York Times reported that the aircraft was under consideration as a potential replacement for Air Force One.

Ethics experts, Democrats, and even far-right allies raise red flags

Critics from across the political spectrum argue that the proposed arrangement violates long-standing norms and laws meant to prevent foreign influence and personal enrichment from overlapping with presidential duties.

“Even in a presidency defined by grift, this move is shocking,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen.

“It makes clear that US foreign policy under Donald Trump is up for sale.”

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont expressed outrage, writing on social media:

“NO, Donald Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar… It is blatantly unconstitutional.”