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3w ago

Trump Administration Set to Accept Qatari Luxury Jet as Interim Air Force One

The $400 million 'flying palace' will be retrofitted for presidential use and later transferred to Trump's library foundation, raising legal and ethical questions.

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FILE - A 13-year-old private Boeing aircraft that President Donald Trump toured on Saturday to check out new hardware and technology features, and highlight the aircraft maker's delay in delivering updated versions of the Air Force One presidential aircraft, takes off from Palm Beach International Airport, Feb. 16, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
FILE - A 13-year-old private Boeing aircraft that President Donald Trump toured on Saturday to check out new hardware and technology features, and highlight the aircraft maker's delay in delivering updated versions of the Air Force One presidential aircraft, takes off from Palm Beach International Airport, Feb. 16, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
FILE - A 13-year-old private Boeing aircraft that President Donald Trump toured on Saturday to check out new hardware and technology features, and highlight the aircraft maker's delay in delivering updated versions of the Air Force One presidential aircraft, takes off from Palm Beach International Airport, Feb. 16, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

Overview

  • The U.S. is preparing to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar, valued at $400 million, as a temporary Air Force One, with modifications by L3Harris Technologies.
  • Legal reviews by the White House Counsel and DOJ concluded that accepting the aircraft and its eventual transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation does not violate bribery laws or the Constitution’s emoluments clause.
  • The gifted jet, known for its opulent interior, will serve as Air Force One until the delayed replacement aircraft from Boeing is ready, currently estimated for 2027–2035 delivery.
  • The gift is expected to be formally announced during President Trump's upcoming visit to Qatar, marking his first foreign trip of his second term.
  • Critics have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest, given Trump’s business ties in Qatar and the unprecedented nature of such a high-value foreign gift.