The White House on Monday defended its acceptance of a Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One, emphasizing that the arrangement complies with U.S. laws and transparency standards, according to AFP.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the aircraft—described as a “flying palace”—was a gift from the Qatari royal family to the U.S. Department of Defense. It is intended for use by President Donald Trump during an upcoming Middle East tour, which includes a stop in Qatar.
“The Qatari government has graciously offered to donate a plane to the Department of Defense. The legal details are still being finalized. Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law, and we commit to the utmost transparency,” Leavitt told Fox News.
The gesture has sparked debate over its ethical and national security implications, particularly given the U.S. Constitution’s emoluments clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval.
Responding to concerns that Qatar might expect political favors in return, Leavitt rejected the suggestion outright. “Absolutely not, because they know President Trump only acts in the interests of the American people,” she said.
President Trump also weighed in via his Truth Social platform, defending the donation as a fiscally responsible solution to ongoing delays in Boeing’s delivery of two new Air Force One aircraft, originally ordered during his first term.
“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… so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” Trump wrote.
The current Air Force One fleet, consisting of two modified Boeing 747-200B jets, has been in service since 1990. Earlier this year, Trump indicated his administration was considering alternatives due to continued setbacks in Boeing’s production schedule.