Washington, D.C. — The U.S. government has formally accepted a $400 million Boeing 747-8 luxury jet from the State of Qatar to serve as a temporary Air Force One for President Donald Trump, sparking controversy over potential constitutional violations and foreign influence.

The aircraft, formerly used by Qatar’s royal family, is slated for extensive retrofitting to meet presidential-level security, communication, and defense specifications. These modifications could push the total cost far beyond the initial $400 million.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from legal scholars and Democratic lawmakers, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warning that such acceptance could breach the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts or payments from foreign states without congressional approval. In response, Schumer introduced the Presidential Airlift Security Act, aiming to ban the use of foreign aircraft as Air Force One.

Qatari officials have downplayed the concerns, calling the gift a “normal thing that happens between allies,” and denied any intent to influence U.S. policy. President Trump echoed those sentiments, calling critics “stupid” and defending the decision as a smart economic move amid delays in Boeing’s official Air Force One replacement project.

The original Boeing contract to deliver two customized presidential jets—estimated at $5 billion—is behind schedule and not expected to be completed before 2027.

This development has reignited debate over presidential ethics, national security, and the optics of foreign gifts at a time when U.S. foreign policy remains under intense scrutiny.

Sources:

• Reuters. (2025, May 21). U.S. accepts luxury jet from Qatar for Trump. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-formally-accepts-luxury-jet-qatar-trump-new-york-times-2025-05-21
• Reuters. (2025, May 15). Is Qatar’s gift of a plane to President Trump allowed under U.S. law?
• Reuters. (2025, May 20). Qatar dismisses concerns over aircraft gift to Trump