Various media in the United States have reported that President Donald Trump will accept a Jumbo Boeing 747-8 plane, offered as a gift by the Qatar Royal Family. The official announcement would be made during its next tour through the East, which will include visits to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
According to ABC News, the president will use the aircraft as a new version of the Air Force One until the end of his mandate in January 2029. Subsequently, the plane will become the property of the foundation in charge of its future presidential library.
The delivery of this gift has generated controversy, since the acceptance of gifts from foreign governments by public officials is restricted by the United States Constitution. According to article I, Section 9, clause 8, known as the Emolive clause, the consent of the Congress is required to receive any type of “present, emolument, position or title” of a “king, prince or foreign state”.
Despite these restrictions, US officials have developed a legal analysis in which it is argued that the acceptance of the plane would be valid. “Trump intends to convert the Qatari plane into an aircraft in which he can fly as president,” says the ABC report, adding that the Air Force plans to modify it with safe communication systems and other classified technologies.
However, experts point out that Boeing 747-8 offered by Qatar would have limited capabilities compared to current Air Force One aircraft, especially in aspects such as protection against attacks or resupply in flight. The two VC-25a currently in use were especially modified with armor, antimiles and sophisticated communication systems. Two new VC-25B aircraft are in the process of construction, but their delivery has suffered delays and is expected to be completed in 2027 and 2028.
The media also remembers that Trump visited a 13-year-old similar plane at Palm Beach International Airport, during a stay at his Mar-A-Lago club.
Commercial relations between the Trump organization and entities in the Middle East have also been a reason for scrutiny. The company, currently led by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, has agreements in the region, including a new luxury real estate development in Qatar, in collaboration with Qatari daily, backed by the sovereign fund of the country.
Although the White House has rejected accusations of conflict of interest, stressing that the former president’s businesses are in a trust managed by their children, and that there is an ethical agreement that prevents direct commercial relations with foreign governments, the pact does allow deals with foreign private companies.
Asked about the possibility that Trump meets with business partners during the trip, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt described as “ridicule” to think that the president “is doing something for his own benefit.”
