Trump says the plan for luxury planes from Qatar is a very “transparent” deal | Donald Trump
Donald Trump said he was ready to accept a luxury plane offered to the U.S. president as a gift from the Qatar royal family, sparking allegations of bribery and corruption and proportionate criticism almost immediately.
Qatar issued a statement on Sunday acknowledged that it had already been discussed with the United States about the planes that Trump temporarily used “possible transfer” as his presidential aircraft, usurped Air Force One. The Emirates Statement denies that a final decision on the transfer, or a gift, has been made.
However, later Sunday, Trump himself appeared to confirm the plan in a post on his Truth Social Platform.
“The Department of Defense is therefore getting free gifts from 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily through a very open and transparent deal, thus disturbing the bending Democrats they insist on paying for the aircraft,” he wrote.
Earlier Sunday, multiple sources familiar with the matter were cited, ABC Report The Trump administration is inciting itself to accept the luxury Boeing 747-8, a giant jet from the Qatar Royals, estimated to be worth about $400 million and is described as a “flying palace.” Trump will then use the 13-year-old aircraft as the new Air Force One until shortly after the end of his second Oval Office, when it will transfer it to his Presidential Library Foundation no later than January 1, 2029.
ABC reports that Qatar’s luxury gifts are expected to be announced next week during Trump’s three-day tour of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. However, a Katari spokesman said it would be “inaccurate” to be given to the plane “into the forthcoming visit of President Trump.”
ABC added that Trump toured the luxurious plane while parked at Palm Beach International Airport in February.
ABC sources told the network that assuming Trump accepts the plan, the giant jets will first be transferred to the U.S. Air Force so that the military can configure the aircraft to meet the specifications required for the president’s travel. The network added that any expenses related to its transfer will be paid by the U.S. Air Force, which earns a large portion of the revenue generated by federal taxpayers.
According to ABC sources, Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and his top White House lawyer David Warrington concluded in advance that Trump’s acceptance of luxury gifts and then transferring them to his presidential library is “legally allowed.”
The White House lawyer’s office and the Justice Department reportedly came to this conclusion after the talented aircraft did not conduct any formal conduct and therefore did not have bribes.
The lawyers drafted an analysis by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which reiterated that the aircraft did not violate federal law and prohibited U.S. government officials from accepting gifts from foreign countries or their royal family. In fact, ABC sources said Bondi’s reading of the situation was that the plane was sent to the U.S. Air Force, and then Trump’s Presidential Library Foundation, not herself.
Still, reports on gifts from Trump’s subordinates, if not unprecedented, have given him blessings, which has sparked criticism of the president.
Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer quickly mocked Trump’s “America First” political slogan.
“Nothing is like the ‘U.S. first,'” New York Senate Minority Leader said in a statement. ”
On X, Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin explain: “Trump must seek consent from Congress to obtain the $300 million from Qatar. The Constitution is clear: No form of any form from foreign countries without Congress’ permission.
Democratic pollster Matt McDermott echoes a similar sentiment, explain: “Literally speechless…
“A foreign regime gives jets to the former president. It’s a bribe in broad daylight.”
McDermott $5.5 billion golf course In Qatar.
McDermott said: “Today: Qatar’s ‘gift’ ace. It must be just a coincidence.”
Meanwhile, Juliette Kayyem, professor of international security at Harvard University explain: “The surveillance and security aspects are also as disturbing as grift.”
“Qatar will certainly provide aircraft that meets its needs,” added CNN security analysts.
CNN medical analyst Jonathan Reiner participated in X and explain: “Air Force One is an Air Force aircraft. A military aircraft. It’s not about becoming a palace, because the United States has no king.”
Similarly, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman Write The plane “maybe the most expensive gift from foreign governments in U.S. history, and may raise questions from legal experts.”
She added: “If Trump continues to resign, it will give him a chance to have a more modern aircraft than Trump One.
