Overview

• Qatar has formally agreed to gift a $400 million Boeing 747-8 from its royal fleet to the U.S. Air Force for use as an interim Air Force One until 2029.
• The Department of Justice, led by Pam Bondi, approved the donation under the emoluments clause, citing plans to transfer ownership to Trump’s presidential library post-service.
• Military contractor L3Harris will refit the aircraft with advanced security systems, including counter-missile technology, to meet presidential transport standards.
• Democratic senators and ethics watchdogs have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the symbolic implications of accepting such a gift from a foreign government.
• President Trump defended the decision, calling it a practical solution to delays in the delivery of new Air Force One jets ordered in 2018.