US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his plans to receive a new luxury Boeing airplane as a gift after news outlets reported that he would get an aircraft from Qatar's royal family to replace the existing Air Force One.
According to ABC News, the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet was referred to as a "flying palace," and it could be the most expensive gift ever given to the US government.
Critics have raised concerns that accepting such a gift might breach strict regulations regarding presents for US presidents, and they have questioned potential conflicts of interest relating to Trump's family businesses and his public office.
Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from Tuesday to Thursday.
What did Trump state?
In what appeared to confirm the media reports, Trump posted on social media late Sunday, not mentioning Qatar, that the aircraft was a temporary "gift" that would be transferred to the Department of Defense.
Trump argued that the opposing Democratic Party was mistaken in its objection to such a gift, as it would mean Air Force One could be replaced "free of charge."
"They insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane," the US president wrote. "Anyone can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!!"
What have critics expressed?
The news has drawn criticism from both political parties.
Laura Loomer, a far-right supporter of Trump, stated that accepting the plane would tarnish the administration.
"We cannot accept a $400 million 'gift' from jihadists in suits," she posted on X. "The Qataris support the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have killed US service members."
The Democratic National Committee asserted that the action indicated Trump was leveraging the presidency for personal financial benefit.
"While working families prepare for rising costs and empty shelves, Trump continues to focus on enriching himself and his billionaire donors," the DNC wrote in an email to supporters.
Individual Democratic lawmakers have also condemned the proposal.
Senator Chris Murphy termed it "wildly illegal," while Representative Kelly Morrison characterized such a gift as "corruption in plain sight" and an unethical, unconstitutional "bribe."
Could the gift be unlawful?
The US constitution forbids government officials from accepting gifts "from any King, Prince or foreign State."
However, sources informed ABC that both the White House and the Department of Justice assert the gift is lawful and not a bribe, as it is not given in exchange for any specific favor or action.
They also argue that the gift would not violate the constitution since it would first go to the US Air Force before being transferred to the presidential library, hence never being given directly to an individual as a present.
Qatar has declared that reports labeling the jet as a gift "are inaccurate."
Why replace Air Force One?
Trump has consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the two specially customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft currently designated as Air Force One, which is the title given to any aircraft carrying the US president.
The existing planes, outfitted with advanced communication technology and anti-missile systems, have been operational since the 1990s.
During his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, Trump ordered two new aircraft from Boeing, but due to delays and increasing costs, it remains uncertain if even one will be delivered by 2029, when his current term concludes.
Experts estimate that a new Boeing 747-8 costs around $400 million (€360 million).
