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Trump’s $400M Jet Gift from Qatar Faces Legal and Ethical Challenges

The unprecedented foreign gift, now at San Antonio International Airport, raises Emoluments Clause concerns and could lead to Supreme Court litigation.

Data: Federal Register, House Oversight Committee. Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
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Overview

  • President Trump plans to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar, intended to serve as the interim Air Force One.
  • The jet, valued at 100 times more than all foreign presidential gifts since 2001 combined, is currently stationed at San Antonio International Airport awaiting retrofitting.
  • Legal experts warn that accepting the gift without congressional approval could violate the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution and spark Supreme Court challenges.
  • Qatari officials claim the plane is a gift to the U.S. government, not to Trump personally, but questions remain over compliance with federal law requiring foreign gifts over $480 to be turned over to the National Archives.
  • Trump has defended the gift, stating it benefits the U.S. government and not him personally, while critics highlight ethical concerns and Qatar's human rights record.