The royal family of Qatar is gifting Donald Trump the most expensive gift ever given to a U.S. president. The gift in question is a 747-8 jumbo jet. Reportedly, Trump will use the luxury jet as Air Force One until his term ends. The jet will be transferred to Trump’s presidential library at the end of Trump’s term. Trump had toured Florida’s “flying palace” this past February.
DOJ Calls Gift ‘Legally Permissible’
Trump’s White House attorneys and the Department of Justice have already penned an analysis for Pete Hegseth, Trump’s defense secretary, declaring the gift from Qatar is “legally permissible” for the Trump administration to accept the luxury gift and hand it over to Trump’s presidential library at the end of his term.
The exchange has been declared “legally permissible” by Trump’s top lawyer, David Warrington, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The two said they could accept the plane, but on the condition that it becomes a part of the presidential library when Trump leaves the White House.
Bondi is said to have provided a legal memo addressed to the White House counsel’s office after Warrington reached out to her for advice about the donation. Working with the DOJ, they have determined the gift from Qatar would be legal.
Jet To Go To the Presidential Library
After Trump’s term ends, the Qatar jet will be transferred to his Presidential Library Foundation by Jan. 1, 2029. The Air Force will be responsible for any costs related to getting the jet to the presidential library. Once Trump has the aircraft, the United States Air Force will modify it to meet Trump’s needs.
“According to aviation industry experts, the estimated value of the aircraft Trump will inherit is about $400 million, and that’s without the additional communications security equipment the Air Force will need to add to properly secure and outfit the plane to transport the commander in chief safely,” an ABC report said
‘Flying Palace’ Will Be Modified
Once Trump has the aircraft from Qatar, the United States Air Force will modify it to meet Trump’s needs “According to aviation industry experts, the estimated value of the aircraft Trump will inherit is about $400 million, and that’s without the additional communications security equipment the Air Force will need to add to properly secure and outfit the plane to transport the commander in chief safely,” an ABC report said.
Announcement Next Week
The Trump administration is expected to announce the gift next week during Trump’s visit to Qatar, his first foreign trip during his second term. The current Air Force One fleet includes two Boeing 747-200 jumbo jets that have been operational since 1990. The Air Force contract with Boeing to replace the jets has seen repeated delays.
Boeing Contract Signed In 2018
The original contract with Boeing was signed in 2018; however, last year, Boeing announced that the new jet would not be ready until at least 2029, after Trump’s term ends. Trump has repeatedly complained about delays, asking Elon Musk to work with Boeing and the Air Force to speed up the process. Unhappy with Boeing’s delivery dates, Trump has clarified that he wants a new plane this year.
