Qatar’s luxury jet “gift” to Trump sparks controversy

WASHINGTON/DOHA: The White House is reportedly in talks with Qatar’s royal family over the potential handover of a luxury jumbo jet, possibly for use as Air Force One during President Donald Trump’s second term, reported the BBC.

Though Doha denies it is a “gift,” Qatari officials confirmed that discussions are underway for the aircraft’s temporary use by the US, in coordination with both countries’ defense ministries.

Media reports suggest the same jet may later be handed over to Trump’s presidential library.

Qatar’s Media Attaché to the US, Ali Al-Ansari, clarified that no final decision has been made yet. “The matter remains under review by the respective legal departments,” he told CBS News, which first broke the story.

The aircraft in question is reportedly a Boeing 747-8, a more modern, upgraded model often dubbed a “flying palace.” Trump has criticized Boeing in the past for delays in delivering new Air Force One jets, a contract awarded during his first administration but now expected to complete by 2028.

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Trump defended the potential move in a post on Truth Social, calling the aircraft a “gift” that would come at no cost to American taxpayers.

“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE… bothers the Crooked Democrats,” he wrote.

The White House clarified that any foreign gift would be processed legally. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration remains committed to full transparency and would act in compliance with all applicable laws.

This development comes ahead of Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar, raising eyebrows among critics who have pointed to possible ethical and legal implications.

Historically, the Reagan Presidential Library is the only one to have received an Air Force One aircraft. If finalized, Trump’s library would become the second.

Qatar has a precedent of gifting aircraft; in 2018, it donated a luxury jet to Turkey. The Gulf state is also a significant buyer of American military and civilian aircraft.