US President Donald Trump has dismissed mounting ethical concerns surrounding an offer from Qatar to provide a private jet for use as Air Force One, calling it a “great gesture” and saying it would be “stupid” to reject it. The luxury Boeing 747-8, reportedly worth around $400 million, is being considered while delivery of two new official aircraft from Boeing remains delayed. Trump insisted the gift was intended for the US government, not for personal use, and compared the donation to similar presidential exhibits, such as Ronald Reagan’s aircraft on display at his library.
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The offer has sparked controversy, with critics citing constitutional issues under the Emoluments Clause, which bars US officials from accepting gifts from foreign states. Trump reacted sharply when asked whether he might use the jet in a private capacity, suggesting the suggestion was offensive. He maintained that the aircraft would either serve the presidency temporarily or be displayed in his future presidential library, and denied any conflict of interest or obligation in return for the donation.
The White House sought to quell criticism by affirming that the offer was being made directly to the Department of Defense, not the president personally. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the administration was committed to “utmost transparency” and that all procedures would be conducted in compliance with US law. She also rejected the idea that Qatar was seeking anything in return, saying the Gulf state “knows President Trump only works in the interest of the American people.”
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However, opposition leaders have strongly condemned the proposed arrangement. Four Democratic senators from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued a joint statement, warning that the acceptance of such a valuable gift risked foreign influence and compromised national security. They argued that allowing a foreign power to supply a key piece of presidential infrastructure would erode public trust and set a dangerous precedent. Qatar’s embassy in Washington attempted to clarify the situation, saying the proposal was still under discussion between the two countries’ defence departments and was not yet a confirmed gift.
