Trump's Air Force One upgrade: Qatar gift ignites debate
Air Force One, the plane of the U.S. President, is set to be replaced by a luxurious aircraft, to be gifted by Qatar. Donald Trump defends the decision, calling it a "very public and transparent transaction."
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump may receive a new Air Force One from Qatar's royal family, which has sparked controversy among Democrats.
- The Boeing 747-8, described as a "palace in the sky," would replace the current 40-year-old presidential plane.
- Congress must approve the acceptance of such a gift.
Is the gift from Qatar a "flying palace"?
Donald Trump, former U.S. President, defends the possibility of receiving a new Air Force One from Qatar's royal family. The plane, described as a "flying palace," would serve Trump and be handed over to the foundation for Trump's presidential library just before the end of his term, according to NBC News.
According to ABC, if the gift were to be given, it would be the most expensive gift from a foreign country, with the plane estimated to be worth $400 million (£300 million).
From as early as Sunday, many Democratic Party politicians, including former prosecutor Congressman Daniel Goldman, criticised this information.
Trump himself also addressed the matter, emphasising on Truth Social that the transaction is transparent. Trump notes that it is a "gift, free of charge."
What are the Democrats' reactions?
Democrats have expressed their concerns about the potential gift. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, commented: "Nothing says 'America First' like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It's not just bribery, it's premium foreign influence with extra legroom."
According to the U.S. Constitution, the president must obtain congressional approval to accept a gift from a foreign country.
What does the U.S. Constitution say?
This situation would likely trigger legal controversy. The U.S. Constitution states that "no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
Critics of Trump invoked this clause during his first term, arguing that Trump violated it when delegations from other countries stayed at his properties during visits.
Nevertheless, Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has previously lobbied for Qatar, and Trump's chief lawyer in the White House, David Warrington, concluded that the gift would be "legally permissible" if the transfer of the plane is contingent upon its ownership being passed to the Trump presidential library before the end of his term, sources familiar with their findings claim.
During Trump's first term, his administration placed orders with Boeing for aircraft to serve as Air Force One, but the company has had several years of delay in their delivery, which often causes frustration expressed by Trump. Currently, the company plans to deliver the first 747 plane adapted to presidential requirements in 2027, although the original deadline was 2022.
