Qatar’s Prime Minister has justified Qatar’s controversial gift of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 luxury plane to former US President Donald Trump, claiming the offering is not a bribe and will be done “very legally.” The plane, a “palace in the sky” once owned by Qatar’s royal family, is one of the most lavish presents given to a US president by a foreign nation.
Trump revealed last week that Qatar had approached him with the jet as a potential candidate for being the next Air Force One. The announcement was met with a flood of questioning from US politicians and ethics groups, who complained about foreign influence and transparency.
Qatar’s Prime Minister pointed out that the offer demonstrates the long-standing economic and diplomatic relationship between Doha and Washington and is being processed in lawful boundaries. Nevertheless, the proposal has led US lawmakers to file legislation that would prohibit any foreign aircraft from becoming the official presidential plane.
Trump downplayed criticism of the present, calling it “stupid” to turn down the offer. The jet, he said, would ultimately find its way to his presidential library, not be used for him personally.
Experts say the plane would need extensive upgrades such as missile defense packages and encrypted communications before it could have presidential-level security.
Trump’s trip to Doha his first as a US president in more than 20 years preceded Qatar Airways’ announcement of a historic order for 160 Boeing widebody jets, with an option for up to 50 additional aircraft. The transaction is a considerable victory for both Boeing and Trump.
The trip also highlights Qatar’s growing closeness with Washington, a significant departure from 2017 when Trump publicly endorsed a regional boycott against the Gulf nation. Since then, Qatar has restored its reputation through major economic and defense deals with the US.
