Trump advocates for Qatar providing him with an aircraft that could potentially serve as Air Force One.
REWRITTEN ARTICLE
Title: Trump Considering Accepting Luxury Jet from Qatar as Temporary Air Force One
Byline: Zeke Miller - WASHINGTON, DC - (AP)
President Donald Trump is contemplating accepting a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a freebie from the royal family of Qatar during his upcoming Middle East trip. This aircraft could potentially serve as a temporary Air Force One, and U.S. officials believe it may be converted into a potential presidential aircraft later.
The Qatari administration stated that nothing has been finalized yet. But Trump sees this move as a smart financial option for the country. He recently tweeted that accepting a 747 aircraft as a "GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE" rather than paying "TOP DOLLAR" for a new one could save taxpayer dollars.
In a report by ABC News, Trump is expected to use this plane as his Air Force One until January 2029, when ownership will be transferred to the foundation overseeing his future presidential library.
This gift is anticipated to be officially announced during Trump's visit to Qatar, as part of his trip that also includes stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, his first major travel of his second term.
Before Trump's tweet, Qatar's media attaché, Ali Al-Ansari, confirmed that discussions are ongoing between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One.
However, according to a statement by Al-Ansari, "the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made."
As ethics concerns mount, administration officials are preparing a legal argument claiming that accepting the plane would be lawful. This claim is in response to the Emoluments Clause, a part of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts, payments, or titles from foreign states without congressional consent.
One government ethics expert, Kathleen Clark from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, criticized Trump, claiming that he is "committed to exploiting the federal government's power ... for amassing personal wealth."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer poked fun at Trump's "America First" political slogan, stating that, "Nothing says 'America First' like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar." He added, "It's not just bribery; it's premium foreign influence with extra legroom."
Even some conservative voices have expressed their disapproval online, citing security concerns and potential conflicts of interest since the aircraft being offered comes from a foreign government.
Air Force One is a modified Boeing 747. There are currently two of these planes, and the president uses both, although they are more than three decades old. Boeing Inc. has the contract to manufacture updated versions, but the project has been delayed due to financial losses incurred by the company.
In terms of capabilities, the Qatari aircraft would still have fewer features compared to the existing Air Force One planes or the replacements currently under construction, according to a former U.S. official. Nonetheless, Trump intends to convert this plane for his personal use as president, with plans to add secure communications and other classified elements to it.
In a related note, Boeing Corporation has announced plans to deliver the new Air Force One aircraft by 2027. The existing planes used as Air Force One are heavily modified to accommodate the President's security requirements, including radiation shielding, antimissile technology, and various communication systems.
Related
- Trump's Middle East Adventure: Amid Multiple Crises
- Battle Blunders: The Qatari-Trump Connection
- Qatar's Generous Gesture: Fact or Fiction?
- Air Force One: Glamour and Intrigue
- Keeping Score: Trump's Executive Orders and Legal Battles
Sources:Associated Press, ABC News, Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.
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