President Donald Trump is under intense scrutiny from both sides of the aisle following news that he plans to accept a luxury aircraft from the government of Qatar, reportedly to serve as a new version of Air Force One. The $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet, gifted by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense to the U.S. Department of Defense, has sparked a wave of ethical concerns and legal questions.
The controversy erupted after ABC News reported on the proposed transfer. In response, Trump took to Truth Social late Sunday night to defend the deal and lash out at critics.
“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” Trump wrote. “Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”
The president’s statement did little to calm concerns. Lawmakers from both parties voiced alarm, questioning the ethics and legality of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government—especially one with complex geopolitical ties.
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Qatar’s media attaché to the U.S., Ali Al-Ansari, said in a statement that the deal remains under legal review by both nations. “The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense,” Al-Ansari said, according to CNN. “The matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the criticism in a statement to ABC News, saying the administration remains committed to legal compliance. “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws,” she stated. “President Trump’s Administration is committed to full transparency.”
Despite the assurances, Democratic lawmakers were quick to condemn the proposed transfer. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut described it as blatant corruption, writing on X, “This isn’t a good idea even if the plane was being donated to the U.S. government. But Trump GETS TO KEEP THE PLANE??? It’s simply a cash payment to Trump in exchange for favors. Just wildly illegal.”
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. pic.twitter.com/oBqgHbikHf
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 11, 2025
Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland echoed the sentiment, pointing to constitutional requirements. “Trump must seek Congress’ consent to take this $300 million gift from Qatar,” he wrote. “The Constitution is perfectly clear: no present ‘of any kind whatever’ from a foreign state without Congressional permission. A gift you use for four years and then deposit in your library is still a gift (and a grift).”
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont also weighed in, calling the deal “farcically corrupt” and urging Congress to intervene. “Congress must not allow this over-the-top kleptocracy to proceed,” he said on X.
The backlash has not been limited to Trump’s political opponents. Some of his own allies and supporters have voiced rare criticism of the deal, particularly over Qatar’s close relationship with Iran.
Laura Loomer, a well-known Trump supporter and informal adviser, expressed disappointment. “I would take a bullet for him. But, I have to call a spade a spade,” Loomer said. “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true… I’m so disappointed.”
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Fox News host Mark Levin, another long-time Trump backer, also condemned the arrangement. In a statement posted on X, he pointed to Qatar’s ties with Iran and its proxies. “Their jet and all the other things they are buying in our country does not provide them with the cover they seek,” Levin said.
The White House has not yet clarified whether the aircraft will be used permanently or temporarily, nor has it confirmed whether Trump will be personally entitled to the plane’s use. For now, the deal remains under review, but the firestorm it has ignited shows no signs of cooling.
1 comment
high caliber corruption by our idiot potus yet again.