President Trump Set to Receive Luxury Boeing 747-8 Jet as Gift from Qatar
TL/DR –
President Donald Trump is reportedly set to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from the royal family of Qatar, with US officials expected to convert the plane into a potential presidential aircraft. Trump intends to use the plane as a new version of Air Force One until January 2029, when ownership will transfer to the foundation overseeing his yet-to-be-built presidential library. Despite receiving a legal analysis that suggests accepting the gift would be legal, the plane will have more limited capabilities than the existing planes used as Air Force One and will lack the air-to-air refueling capabilities of the current VC-25A aircraft.
Trump to Receive Luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar Royal Family
President Donald Trump is reportedly scheduled to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family. The ABC News report indicates that this aircraft could potentially serve as a presidential plane.
The gift is predicted to be announced during Trump’s Middle East visit, which includes stops in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Qatari government has yet to comment on this report.
Trump’s Relationship with Qatar
Qatar, home to the state-owned Qatar Airways, has worked to establish a close relationship with Trump. Despite supporting a boycott of Doha in his first term, Trump later lauded Qatar.
Administration officials assure that the acceptance of such a generous gift from a foreign government aligns with legal standards, despite questions raised about potential violation of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.
Conversion of the Qatari Aircraft
Plans indicate that the Qatari aircraft will be converted into a presidential plane, with secure communication system and other classified additions. However, the plane’s capabilities will be more limited than the existing Air Force One and two other aircraft currently under construction.
The current Air Force One planes, heavily modified for presidential safety and communication, outperform the Qatari plane. Despite this, it is possible to install some countermeasures and communication systems.
Trump’s Business Interests in the Middle East
The Trump Organization, managed by his sons, has significant and expanding interests in the Middle East. A new luxury golf resort deal in Qatar, in partnership with Qatari Diar, a real estate company backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, is among the upcoming projects.
Administration officials dismissed concerns about the blurring of presidential policy interests and family business profits. They insist that the Trump Organization’s voluntary ethics agreement, released in January, prevents deals directly with foreign governments.
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