Democrats are crying foul now that President Trump is set to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar as a gift to replace the aging Air Force One fleet.
Despite the increasing pushback, the Trump administration confirms the arrangement would save taxpayers billions while providing America’s president with a modern aircraft befitting the world’s superpower.
The Trump administration has reportedly agreed to accept a new Boeing 747-8 from Qatar’s royal family to serve as Air Force One.
The aircraft has been described as a “flying palace” that could potentially become the most valuable gift the U.S. government has ever received.
The roughly $400 million plane would replace the current presidential aircraft fleet that has been in service since the 1990s and is increasingly showing its age.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the gift complies with all applicable laws.
She emphasized that it would serve the American people by providing a modern, safe aircraft for presidential travel without the massive cost overruns plaguing the current Boeing contract.
The existing Air Force One replacement program has exceeded its budget by over $2 billion and is not expected to be completed until 2027.
President Trump, who is scheduled to visit Qatar during his first foreign trip of his second term, has been openly frustrated with Boeing’s delays and cost increases.
The administration’s willingness to accept Qatar’s offer represents a pragmatic solution to ensure America’s commander-in-chief has reliable transportation while saving taxpayers billions of dollars.
As expected, Democrats have launched attacks against the arrangement, with the Democrat National Committee (DNC) claiming the gift is about personal enrichment rather than serving the American people.
“While working families brace for higher costs and empty shelves, Trump is still focusing on enriching himself and his billionaire backers,” the DNC said.
Critics have pointed to the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition on officials accepting gifts from foreign states.
Still, the White House and Department of Justice have determined that the gift is legal since it is being accepted on behalf of the United States government, not President Trump personally.
The Biden administration’s failures with the Boeing contract have left President Trump with few options.
The aircraft manufacturer has repeatedly missed deadlines and exceeded budgets, prompting the administration to seek alternatives.
The administration is now working with Elon Musk to quicken the delivery of the originally planned replacement planes while also exploring the Qatar option.
After his term in the White House, the jet will be transferred to President Trump’s presidential library foundation.
The move will ensure the aircraft continues to serve the American people as a historical artifact rather than becoming private property.
For Americans concerned about government waste and fiscal responsibility, the Qatar arrangement represents a breath of fresh air.
🇺🇸🇶🇦 TRUMP’S NEW AIR FORCE ONE? QATAR MIGHT BE FOOTING THE BILL
Trump’s looking to swap planes—and the one he wants is a $400 million luxury jet gift from the royal family of Qatar.
Yup, a foreign government wants to give the U.S. president a tricked-out 747. Later, it’ll be… https://t.co/0wwmLMyzXC pic.twitter.com/mPznQUgT9S
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 11, 2025
