US President Donald Trump is said to be set to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s ruling family during his upcoming Middle East visit. The plane, which could be converted for presidential use, will act as a temporary Air Force One until Trump leaves office in January 2029. The aircraft will then be sent to the foundation that will construct his presidential library, ABC News reported.
The present is set to be formally announced at the time of Trump’s Qatar visit, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also on his schedule. Although the Qatari government remained silent so far, US officials have drawn up a legal rationale for accepting the aircraft, pending constitutional objections.
The US Constitution’s Emoluments Clause forbids federal officials from receiving gifts from foreign governments with the approval of Congress. Legal experts, such as Washington University Professor Kathleen Clark, denounced the action as an abuse of presidential authority for personal enrichment.
Trump intends to equip the Qatari plane with secure communications and minimal defensive systems, though it will not have the full range of capabilities of the existing Air Force One fleet, including radiation shielding and air-to-air refueling.
Boeing’s stalled VC-25B replacements for Air Force One are still under development, with deliveries not until 2027 and 2028. Trump was previously targeted by Emoluments Clause suits in his first term, dismissed by the Supreme Court after his departure from office.
Critics have also complained about possible conflicts of interest, as Trump’s family business has increasing interests in the Middle East, including a luxury resort in Qatar. The White House maintains that the president’s actions are not dictated by personal or business relationships, stressing that the Trump Organization is run independently by his sons.
