Boeing 747 gift from Qatar to DOD sparks constitutional debate over Air Force One

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the Boeing 747 offered to the United States by Qatar will be given to the Department of Defense, addressing concerns about the legality of accepting a gift from a foreign power. The royal family of Qatar had generously offered to donate a $400 million jumbo jet that could potentially serve as Air Force One. The White House has defended the decision, stating that all gifts from foreign powers are accepted in accordance with the law.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump clarified that the Boeing 747 is intended for the United States Air Force and Department of Defense, not for his personal use. He emphasized that Qatar is a nation that the U.S. has defended for many years, and the aircraft will serve as a temporary Air Force One until the new Boeings, which are currently delayed, are delivered.

Critics, particularly Democrats, have called for an ethics investigation into the acceptance of the gift. Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York wrote to the Government Accountability Office expressing concerns over potential violations of the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits public officials from accepting gifts from foreign entities.

Despite the scrutiny, Trump defended the decision, questioning why taxpayers should pay for a new aircraft when a suitable one is being offered at no cost. He argued that the savings from accepting the gift could be used to benefit the country and further his agenda of making America great again.

The gift of the Boeing 747 has been subject to legal reviews by the White House counsel’s office and the Department of Justice to ensure compliance with regulations. The current Air Force One fleet consists of two planes, and Trump had previously awarded a contract to Boeing for the construction of two new jets, expected to be completed by 2029.

Overall, the acceptance of the Boeing 747 from Qatar has sparked debate and raised questions about the ethics of receiving gifts from foreign powers. The decision to utilize the aircraft for official purposes has been defended by the Trump administration, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic relations and government protocol.