Qatar's 'palace in the sky' gift to Trump ignites debate
Air Force One, the plane used by the U.S. President, is set to be replaced by a luxurious aircraft, which will be gifted by Qatar. Donald Trump defends the decision, calling it a "very 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 "palace in the sky"?
U.S. President Donald Trump defends the possibility of receiving a new Air Force One from Qatar's royal family. According to NBC News, the plane, described as a "palace in the sky," would serve Trump and be handed over to the foundation for Trump's presidential library just before the end of his term.
According to ABC, if the gift is given, it would be the most expensive gift from a foreign country, with the plane estimated to be worth $400 million.
As early as Sunday, many Democratic Party politicians, including former prosecutor Congressman Daniel Goldman, criticized this information.
Trump also addressed the matter, emphasizing 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?
It would certainly trigger legal controversy. The U.S. Constitution states, "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 he violated it when delegations from other countries stayed at his properties during visits.
Nevertheless, sources familiar with their findings claim that 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 plane's transfer is contingent upon its ownership being passed to the Trump presidential library before the end of his term.
During Trump's first term, his administration placed orders with Boeing for aircraft to serve as Air Force One. However, the company has had several years of delays in its delivery, which has caused Trump to express frustration. The company plans to deliver the first 747 plane adapted to presidential requirements in 2027, although the original deadline was 2022.
