JUST IN: Trump reportedly set to accept gifted jet for possible use as Air Force One

May 11, 2025

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From AP News: WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump reportedly is set to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from the royal family of Qatar during his trip to the Middle East this coming week, and U.S. officials could convert the plane into a potential presidential aircraft.

ABC News reported that Trump will use the plane as a new version of Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office in January 2029, when ownership will be transferred to the foundation overseeing his yet-to-be-built presidential library.

The gift is expected to be announced when Trump visits Qatar as part of a trip that also includes stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the first extended foreign travel of his second term. The Qatari government did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday night.

Such a substantial gift is sure to raise concerns about the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8) which requires congressional consent before a person holding a government office may accept presents and other honors or payments from any “King, Prince, or foreign State.”

ABC News reports that administration officials have prepared for such questions and will argue that the transaction is legal.

The Trump administration is preparing to accept a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar – a gift that is to be available for use by President Donald Trump as the new Air Force One, sources familiar with the proposed arrangement tell ABC News. pic.twitter.com/p2juC3QiH6

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress) May 11, 2025