President Donald Trump publicly supported plans for the Department of Defense to take possession of a Boeing 747-8 plane from Qatar for free, calling the deal a common-sense arrangement to overcome delays in domestic manufacture of a new presidential aircraft. The offer has come under fire from Democratic lawmakers and ethics experts, who contend that the deal would potentially contravene constitutional provisions prohibiting federal officials from receiving gifts or emoluments from foreign governments. In a social media post on Sunday, Trump insisted that the Gulf state’s offer would be a temporary upgrade for the aging Air Force One fleet, which includes planes older than four decades.
Reports indicate that the Qatari-owned aircraft, valued at about $400 million, would be U.S.-based and eventually donated to a foundation connected to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office. Critics, including former White House ethics chief Norm Eisen, have called the deal “illegal and unconstitutional,” while some conservative commentators, such as Laura Loomer, condemned it as a “stain” on Trump’s administration.
Qatari authorities confirmed talks regarding temporarily providing the aircraft but emphasized that no decision had yet been taken. Qatar embassy media representative Ali Al-Ansari confirmed the offer is under legal process review in both countries. ABC News first reported the possible transfer, which Qatar later called “inaccurate” in specifics but did not categorically deny. The Boeing 747-8 in question, which is said to be one of the globe’s most extravagant private aircraft, was viewed by Trump in February close to his Mar-a-Lago home, reports The New York Times. The plane, which belongs to Qatar’s government, is just a bit more than a decade old.
The furore stems from Trump’s plans to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE this week—a trip already in the spotlight after his son, Eric Trump, is said to have negotiated business deals for the Trump Organization in the region before the diplomatic trip. Ethical questions have surrounded Trump’s financial relationships with foreign regimes for some time, and this latest episode serves to reopen arguments about adherence to constitutional protections.
The White House would not comment on the issue. Lawyers and government critics are still weighing whether the suggested deal would establish a precedent for foreign presents to U.S. officials.
Source: Financial Times
