The White House is currently engaged in discussions with the Qatari royal family regarding the potential transfer of a luxury jumbo jet, specifically a Boeing 747-8, intended for use as a variant of Air Force One. Qatar has publicly stated that the aircraft would not be a gift, clarifying that it is under negotiation for "temporary use" by the U.S. government.
Sources indicate that the aircraft could eventually be donated to Donald Trump’s presidential library at the conclusion of his term, as Trump is slated to visit Qatar this week during a significant foreign tour. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Media Attaché in Washington, confirmed that talks remain in progress between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. “The matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made,” he stated.
While the transfer could elevate questions surrounding its legal and ethical implications, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted that any foreign gifts would adhere to applicable laws and guidelines. Trump's own remarks depicted the jet as a ‘‘gift’’. He highlighted the negativity from certain political factions and emphasized the transparency of the communication surrounding this aircraft acquisition in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The ongoing fleet of Air Force One consists of two aging Boeing 747-200Bs that have served since the early '90s. Trump noted dissatisfaction with Boeing's delay in delivering newer aircraft, expressing frustration earlier this year over their schedule. The defense contracts for newer planes initiated during his previous term have yet to materialize, with Boeing suggesting availability may only extend to 2027 or 2028.
Qatar and Trump's previous administration maintained a beneficial relationship, which included significant commerce in the aerospace sector, with Qatar purchasing American-made airplanes in 2019. This isn’t the first instance of Qatar bestowing private jets to foreign allies; in 2018, the country gifted a luxury plane to Turkey, showcasing the ongoing diplomatic gifting practices within the region.
Sources indicate that the aircraft could eventually be donated to Donald Trump’s presidential library at the conclusion of his term, as Trump is slated to visit Qatar this week during a significant foreign tour. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Media Attaché in Washington, confirmed that talks remain in progress between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. “The matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made,” he stated.
While the transfer could elevate questions surrounding its legal and ethical implications, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted that any foreign gifts would adhere to applicable laws and guidelines. Trump's own remarks depicted the jet as a ‘‘gift’’. He highlighted the negativity from certain political factions and emphasized the transparency of the communication surrounding this aircraft acquisition in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The ongoing fleet of Air Force One consists of two aging Boeing 747-200Bs that have served since the early '90s. Trump noted dissatisfaction with Boeing's delay in delivering newer aircraft, expressing frustration earlier this year over their schedule. The defense contracts for newer planes initiated during his previous term have yet to materialize, with Boeing suggesting availability may only extend to 2027 or 2028.
Qatar and Trump's previous administration maintained a beneficial relationship, which included significant commerce in the aerospace sector, with Qatar purchasing American-made airplanes in 2019. This isn’t the first instance of Qatar bestowing private jets to foreign allies; in 2018, the country gifted a luxury plane to Turkey, showcasing the ongoing diplomatic gifting practices within the region.
