On May 12, Reference News Network reported that according to a Reuters report on May 11, sources who had been briefed on the matter said that the Trump administration intended to accept a Boeing 747-8 aircraft as a gift from the ruling family of Qatar, and then modify it to serve as his "Air Force One".
This source said that this luxurious aircraft (one of the most valuable gifts received by the U.S. government) will ultimately be donated to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office. The price of a brand new commercial 747-8 is about $400 million.
Democrats and advocates for good governance criticized this proposal, saying it raises a large number of ethical and legal concerns.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X: "Nothing better illustrates 'America First' than the 'Air Force One' offered by Qatar. This is not just bribery; it's high-end foreign influence with extra legroom."
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said in a statement: "Accepting gifts from foreign governments is always done in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump's administration is willing to maintain complete transparency."
According to The New York Times, Qatari spokesman Ali Anssari told the newspaper that the possible transfer of the aircraft is still under consideration, "no decision has been made yet."
Trump previously expressed disappointment at the delayed delivery of two 747-8s that were to serve as updated versions of "Air Force One." During his first term, Trump reached an agreement with Boeing for the delivery of the aircraft in 2024. A U.S. Air Force official said last week that Boeing proposed delivering the aircraft by 2027.
According to a report by the Associated Press on May 11, President Trump plans to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jet airliner presented by Qatar during his visit to the Middle East this week. U.S. officials said this aircraft may be modified into a presidential aircraft.
The report stated that the Qatari government said that a final decision has not been made. Nevertheless, Trump defended this idea - which equates to the president accepting an astonishingly valuable gift from a foreign government - arguing that it was a financially wise move for the United States.
Trump posted on his social platform late on the evening of May 11: "The Department of Defense received a gift of a 747 aircraft to temporarily replace the 'Air Force One' that has been in service for 40 years. This is a very public and transparent transaction, but it has upset the crafty Democrats, who insist that we pay a high price for this aircraft."
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