Trump Addresses Ownership of Qatari-Awarded Boeing 747 Amid Legal Scrutiny

The Boeing 747 donated to the United States by Qatar is set to be handed over to the Department of Defense, confirmed President Donald Trump on Tuesday. This statement came in response to inquiries regarding the legality of accepting gifts from foreign entities.

Qatar’s royal family has offered a substantial gift valued at $400 million, which will serve as a potential Air Force One. The White House is defending Trump against any backlash regarding this donation, asserting that all gifts from foreign powers are accepted in complete accordance with legal standards.

In a post shared on his Truth Social platform, President Trump emphasized that the Boeing 747 is designated for the United States Air Force and specifically the Department of Defense, and not for his personal use. He stated, “It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One until our new Boeings, which are significantly delayed, arrive.”

Political Reactions and Ethical Concerns

Despite Trump’s assurances, some Democratic lawmakers have demanded an ethics investigation regarding the aircraft’s donation. On Sunday, Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York, expressed his concerns in a letter to the Government Accountability Office. He criticized the donation as a “flying grift,” suggesting that it could violate the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution. This clause explicitly forbids any public office holder from accepting gifts from foreign entities.

In his letter, Torres complained, “I am writing to express alarm over reports that President Donald Trump is poised to accept a luxury aircraft — a Boeing 747-8 — from the government of Qatar. The plane, often described as a ‘palace in the sky,’ is supposed to be available for Trump’s official use as Air Force One and later for his personal use after his presidency.”

Trump’s Justification for Accepting the Gift

Trump has publicly questioned the rationale behind taxpayers bearing the cost of a new aircraft when a suitable plane can be acquired at no expense. He stated, “This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The former president reportedly conducted a tour of the aircraft while it was stationed at West Palm Beach Airport in Florida back in February, according to recent ABC News reports.

Legal Review of the Donation

The gift is currently undergoing a legal evaluation as the White House counsel’s office and the Department of Justice consider the implications of Trump accepting such a costly gift from a foreign nation. Given the established norms regarding gifts to public officials, the process may prove intricate.

The Current Air Force One Status

The existing Air Force One fleet comprises two aircraft. In 2018, during his first term, Trump issued a $3.9 billion contract to Boeing for the development of two new jets. Nevertheless, these new aircraft are not projected to be completed until 2029, which places the need for an interim solution into perspective.

As the controversy unfolds, observers will be closely monitoring how the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the donation evolve. There remains significant public interest in the implications of foreign gifts to public officials and the transparency required in such matters.

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.