In an unprecedented diplomatic gesture, Qatar will provide a high-end jumbo jet to be utilized by former President Donald Trump, raising questions regarding ethics and legality due to its timing and valuation.
Trump Set to Receive Luxury Jet from Qatar for Presidential Use
Trump Set to Receive Luxury Jet from Qatar for Presidential Use
The luxurious Boeing 747-8 will undergo retrofitting and checks against espionage devices before serving as Trump's personal aircraft.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, aiming to serve as his exclusive aircraft during and after his presidency. Reports indicate that the jet will require modifications and inspections for possible surveillance devices before it can be formally operational.
As Trump prepares for a significant trip to the Middle East this week, this unusual offering is noteworthy. Sources indicate that the jet will be donated to Trump’s future presidential library at the end of his term, igniting discussions about the ethical implications of such gifts. Critics are likely to question the legality and appropriateness of receiving such a luxurious gift while in office.
Currently, the White House operates two older Boeing 747-200Bs, both customized for presidential transport since the late 1980s. Historically, Air Force One jets transition between presidential administrations. The National Archives reveals that only the Reagan library possesses an Air Force One plane, which honored seven presidents before its donation.
The upcoming gift from Qatar, which is reported to be a state-of-the-art "flying palace," comes at a time when Trump's sentiment towards Boeing has been less than favorable due to delays in providing new planes. Earlier this year, Trump voiced dissatisfaction with Boeing’s timeline for delivering new aircraft, noting, “No, I'm not happy with Boeing. It takes them a long time.”
Trump's relations with Qatar during his presidency were notably positive, marked by a 2019 announcement regarding significant aircraft purchases from American manufacturers. Furthermore, Qatar has a history of gifting private jets to various nations, including a luxury aircraft presented to Turkey in 2018.
