President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing to accept a 13-year-old Boeing 747-8 from Qatar’s royal family for temporary use as Air Force One, according to unnamed sources cited by ABC News.
The jet, described by Trump as a “very public and transparent transaction,” is expected to be modified by the U.S. Air Force for presidential use before being transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation by January 2029.
Trump previously toured the aircraft in Florida, and the estimated $400 million plane will be outfitted with security upgrades by L3Harris.
The legality of the arrangement has drawn scrutiny due to constitutional restrictions on gifts from foreign governments.
According to sources, Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington concluded that because the gift is directed to the government and not conditioned on an official act, it does not violate the emoluments clause or federal bribery laws.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is following “all applicable laws,” while Qatar’s Ministry of Defense is still in talks with the Pentagon regarding the handover.
Democratic lawmakers responded critically. Sen. Chuck Schumer posted, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar,” while Rep. Adam Schiff referenced the Constitution’s Title of Nobility clause.
Trump, meanwhile, argued that rejecting the gift would be “stupid” and claimed Democrats want taxpayers to “pay TOP DOLLAR” instead.
The current Air Force One fleet, contracted for replacement since 2018, has faced delays, with new jets not expected until 2027.
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