Donald Trump’s government intends to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 plane from the Qatari royal family as a gift. The high-end plane would be a temporary substitute for the old Air Force One. Trump made the suggestion on his Truth Social site. The action, however, has immediately drawn biting criticism from Democrats and ethics groups.

They contend the transaction poses the risk of foreign influence and potentially violates the US Constitution. In addition, Trump intends to donate the plane to his presidential library once he leaves office.

Trump Defends Action on Truth Social

To defend the move, Trump turned to his social site late Sunday evening. “So the fact that the Defence Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane” he wrote.

So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane.…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 12, 2025

Obviously, Trump expressed anger at repeated delays in the delivery of new Air Force One planes from Boeing. Even though he negotiated a deal with the company in his first term for a 2024 delivery, the US Air Force recently told Congress that the planes likely won’t arrive until 2027. Trump therefore sought alternative options — including this Qatari-owned plane.

Democrats React with Alarm Over Ethics and Law

Soon after the news broke, leading Democrats pushed back hard. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted on X, formerly Twitter, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar.”

Furthermore, lawyers soon raised alarms. They noted that the gift would contravene the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts from foreign governments unless approved by Congress. Additionally, watchdogs cautioned that receiving costly assets from friends like Qatar could create a risky precedent, making other nations try to purchase influence with US Presidents.

White House and Qatar Respond to Backlash

The White House issued a formal statement as a reaction to mounting criticism. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed that the Trump administration continues to be in full compliance with the federal laws.

“Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency.” she stated.

At the same time, the Qatari government also released a clarification. In a statement to The New York Times, spokesperson Ali Al-Ansari announced that the possible aircraft transfer is still under consideration.

“no decision has been made” he clarified. “The issue is still being considered.”

Trump Already Considered the Aircraft

Earlier this year, in February, Trump personally visited the Qatari-owned plane while it was at Palm Beach International Airport. The airport is located near his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. The White House informed that Trump took a tour of the plane to learn how he could design the new Air Force One.

That visit now seems to have been a big factor in his interest now.

Rising Controversy as Election Approaches

If accepted, this gift would stoke persistent worries about presidential integrity and foreign interference. Trump describes it as a shrewd, cost-cutting measure. His detractors, however, view it as a serious violation of democratic norms. And since Air Force One is so symbolic, riding on a foreign-funded plane could be politically disastrous in the long term.

Furthermore, the timing of the deal is suspicious in itself. With the 2024 election cycle picking up, this deal is likely to develop into another contentious issue amidst an already divided American political scene. Thus, even though the proposal is uncertain, its political implications are already in motion.