Qatar’s PM defended the move to hand over a Boeing 747-8 plane to the US, resisting growing backlash over the Qatar Trump jet deal. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani explained that the deal is a “simple government-to-government” swap, not a gesture to US President Donald Trump personally.
His comments follow both American parties raised national security concerns about the $400 million plane, which Trump indicates will serve as Air Force One and subsequently be given to his presidential library.
Deal is Strictly Between Governments: PM
During an interview with CNN, Al-Thani stated, “This is a very straightforward government-to-government transaction. It has nothing to do with personnel.” He added that the deal involves the Qatari Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense, not the leaders.
Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani tells CNN that the country’s offer of a $400M luxury jet to President Trump was an act of love:
“It is a government-to-government transaction. … Why would we buy influence in the United States?” pic.twitter.com/GX8PhihjTj
— The Recount (@therecount) May 14, 2025
Critics in America, both Republican and Democratic, have questioned the legality and optics of the deal. Many refer to it as a foreign contribution masquerading as statecraft. But the Qatari PM had dismissed such concerns, emphasizing transparency.
President Trump previously defended the decision as strategic. The President explained, “It would be stupid for me to reject Qatar’s proposal.” The jet will become the official aircraft of the US President before eventually joining Trump’s presidential museum — raising yet more questions on whether Trump is the sole person to benefit from the Qatari aircraft.
Qatar refutes influence intentions
Al-Thani denied accusations that the Gulf nation was purchasing influence. He reminded the critics that Qatar has stood with the US on pivotal missions — from evacuations from Afghanistan to worldwide hostage negotiations.
“Why would we purchase influence in the US when we’ve already been standing with them for decades?” he asked. He further said, “We will not do anything against the law. If it is found to be illegal, we will pull out.”
Bigger Boeing deal seals Qatar-US ties
In a companion gesture, Qatar Airways placed a huge order for Boeing aircraft during Trump’s Gulf tour. The $96 billion agreement consists of 160 firm widebody aircraft, with an option for 50 additional planes. The aircraft — Boeing 777x and 787 variants with GE Aerospace engines — represents Boeing’s largest victory in years.
The White House welcomed the order as an economic and strategic win. Boeing also had a victory against Airbus, whose engine has had troubles operating in hot Gulf weather.
The Qatar Trump jet purchase, even if controversial, is at the heart of broader US-Qatar collaboration. As the review goes on, the line between domestic politics and diplomacy once again gets blurred.
