US President Donald Trump’s decision to accept a $400m Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it breaches the emoluments clause of the US Constitution.
According to a report by The Independent, Trump’s Department of Justice lawyers have ruled that accepting the gift would not break any laws, citing that its ownership would be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation before the end of his term. However, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres has written to the Government Accountability Office, blasting the deal as a “flying grift.” Torres argued that the present violates the emoluments clause of the US Constitution, which “explicitly prohibits any person holding public office from accepting ‘any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.'”
The Qatari plane is reportedly a luxurious “flying palace” with two full bathrooms, nine lavatories, a master bedroom and a guest bedroom, multiple lounges, and a private office. However, it would require significant investment to meet the necessary standards to stand in for Air Force One, including secure communications, electromagnetic shielding, and in-flight refueling capabilities. Aviation experts have estimated that the cost of retrofitting the plane could drive the cost up to as much as $1bn, with American taxpayers expected to pay the check.
Richard Briffault, a Columbia Law School professor who specializes in government ethics, told NPR that if Trump retains ownership of the plane after leaving office, “then it’s not really a gift to the United States at all” and instead amounts to a “pretty textbook case of a violation of the emoluments clause.” Professor Briffault further warned that accepting any present leaves the recipient beholden to the gift-giver, arguing that gestures like Qatar’s are “designed to create good feelings for the recipient and to get some kind of reciprocity.”
Rep. Joe Courtney, a top Democrat on the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, told Politico that “this isn’t really a gift.” He added that “you’d basically have to tear the plane down to the studs and rebuild it to meet all the survivability, security, and communications requirements of Air Force One. It’s a massive undertaking – and an unfunded one at that.”
The controversy has also sparked criticism from some unexpected quarters. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist from Trump’s own MAGA movement, has opposed the gesture, writing on social media that “we cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.” Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has also called the decision “skeezy,” arguing that taking gifts from countries with questionable human rights records is not in line with Trump’s “America First” agenda.
In response to the criticism, Trump has defended his decision, telling Fox News host Sean Hannity that “why wouldn’t I accept a gift?” He pointed out that the present presidential plane is “almost 40 years old” and “much smaller” and “much less impressive” than the newer model. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has hit back, saying that “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.”
As reported by The Independent, the US already has a pair of VC-25 Bs currently being completed to stringent military standards at home, further negating the need for the new jet. However, neither of those is expected to be ready until 2027. Completing the retrofitting work before Trump leaves office in January 2028 would be “impossible,” officials have told The Washington Post.
The reaction to Trump’s decision has highlighted the ongoing concerns about the president’s business dealings and his adherence to the Constitution. As The Independent previously reported, Trump’s presidency has been marked by controversy over his business interests and potential conflicts of interest. The issue has sparked renewed debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.
This story is continuing to unfold, and The Independent will provide updates as more information becomes available. The controversy highlights the challenges facing Trump’s administration and raises questions about the limits of executive power. As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump’s presidency and the country as a whole.
The source of this article is from The Independent, a UK-based news organization that has been providing in-depth coverage of US politics and current events. For more information, visit
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