The White House is currently engaged in discussions with the Qatari royal family about potentially receiving a luxury jumbo jet that could serve as a temporary Air Force One for President Donald Trump. While Qatar has denied that the transfer of the aircraft would be a gift, they have confirmed that negotiations are ongoing for the "temporary use" of the plane.
According to CBS News, a report from America’s news partner, it is suggested that the jet is intended for Trump's presidential library after he leaves office. This update comes ahead of Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar as part of a prominent foreign trip during his second term. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché in the U.S., stated that talks are continuing between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, emphasizing that “the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments” and that “no decision has been made.”
Sources have indicated that the aircraft would not be immediately ready for use as it requires alterations and security approvals. The discussion about the value and management of this plane will likely stir legal and ethical scrutiny, particularly from critics. On Sunday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reassured that "any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws," reinforcing that Trump's administration is dedicated to transparency.
In response to these negotiations, Trump referred to the plane as a complimentary gift, asserting that it was offered at no cost for his use on his social media platform, Truth Social. He claimed, “the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One," and criticized Democrats for opposing the acquisition.
Currently, Air Force One operates two Boeing 747-200B models that are tailored for presidential use, complete with advanced communication technologies and amenities including a stateroom, office, and conference room. These planes have served since 1990 and 1991 and are traditionally passed on to subsequent administrations. Interestingly, only the Reagan presidential library boasts an Air Force One jet, which has served seven presidents before being donated.
Qatar's offer reportedly involves a Boeing 747-8, a considerably newer model that has been described as an "upgraded flying palace". Boeing had previously secured a contract to deliver newer aircraft for the White House but has fallen behind schedule. Earlier this year, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Boeing's pace, declaring that "we may buy a plane or get a plane, or something.” His previous tenure saw a strengthening of ties with Qatar, marked by a significant order of American airplanes in 2019. Qatar has also a history of gifting luxury jets to several countries, which includes a lavish jet provided to Turkey in 2018.
According to CBS News, a report from America’s news partner, it is suggested that the jet is intended for Trump's presidential library after he leaves office. This update comes ahead of Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar as part of a prominent foreign trip during his second term. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché in the U.S., stated that talks are continuing between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, emphasizing that “the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments” and that “no decision has been made.”
Sources have indicated that the aircraft would not be immediately ready for use as it requires alterations and security approvals. The discussion about the value and management of this plane will likely stir legal and ethical scrutiny, particularly from critics. On Sunday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reassured that "any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws," reinforcing that Trump's administration is dedicated to transparency.
In response to these negotiations, Trump referred to the plane as a complimentary gift, asserting that it was offered at no cost for his use on his social media platform, Truth Social. He claimed, “the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One," and criticized Democrats for opposing the acquisition.
Currently, Air Force One operates two Boeing 747-200B models that are tailored for presidential use, complete with advanced communication technologies and amenities including a stateroom, office, and conference room. These planes have served since 1990 and 1991 and are traditionally passed on to subsequent administrations. Interestingly, only the Reagan presidential library boasts an Air Force One jet, which has served seven presidents before being donated.
Qatar's offer reportedly involves a Boeing 747-8, a considerably newer model that has been described as an "upgraded flying palace". Boeing had previously secured a contract to deliver newer aircraft for the White House but has fallen behind schedule. Earlier this year, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Boeing's pace, declaring that "we may buy a plane or get a plane, or something.” His previous tenure saw a strengthening of ties with Qatar, marked by a significant order of American airplanes in 2019. Qatar has also a history of gifting luxury jets to several countries, which includes a lavish jet provided to Turkey in 2018.
