US President Donald Trump is considering accepting a luxury Boeing jet as a gift from the Qatari royal family. He will use it as Air Force One (the president's official plane) and keep it for personal use after his term ends. However, there are strict rules regarding gifts for US presidents.

The issue was raised in the US media on Sunday (11 may 2025).

ABC News first reported on the news, calling the plane a "flying palace." ABC News said the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet is likely to be the most expensive gift in US government history.

However, Qatar has sought to avoid controversy over the issue, saying reports that the plane was a gift were "not accurate".

Ali al-Ansari, a public relations officer at the Qatari embassy in Washington, said discussions are underway between the Qatari 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, al-Ansari said no decision has been made yet.

According to the US Constitution, government officials cannot accept gifts from any king, prince, or foreign state.

However, Trump can circumvent the provision by transferring the aircraft to a museum he has built for himself as president after his term ends.

Analysts say the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet is decades old and has a market value of $400 million.

ABC and the New York Times reported that President Trump is traveling to three Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, this week. The plan for the aircraft will be announced during the trip.

Meanwhile, questions have been raised in political circles about the ethics of accepting this gift, as it would be flouting the laws created to prevent government corruption.

Laura Loomer, a far-right politician close to Trump, said accepting the Qatari plane would "stain" the administration.

"We cannot accept $400 million in gifts from jihadists in suits," Laura Loomer said in a post on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter). "The Qataris fund Iranian front groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. And these groups have killed American soldiers."

However, the White House and the Justice Department believe that the gift is legal and not a bribe. Because it is not being taken in exchange for any specific benefit or work. Multiple sources related to this have told ABC News. According to the source, it is not unconstitutional. Because it will first be handed over to the US Air Force. Later, it will be given to the President's collection. Therefore, it will not be considered a personal gift.

The White House did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

The Democratic National Committee said the move showed Trump was using the White House for personal financial gain, adding that Trump was focused on increasing his own wealth and that of his wealthy patrons while working families were struggling with high prices.

Several Democratic lawmakers have strongly criticized the plan.