- Trump will use a $400 million jet from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One while Boeing completes the new fleet.
- The jet, previously owned by Qatarโs royal family, will be ready for use by fall 2023.
- Legal experts confirmed the deal is permissible, as the jet is not tied to any official acts.
President Donald Trump will soon receive a luxurious $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar. This plane is widely known as the most luxurious private jet in the world. It was previously owned by the Qatari royal family, but now it will serve as Trumpโs temporary Air Force One. He will use it while Boeing finishes building the new Air Force One planes. The project has been delayed multiple times, and costs have gone far over budget. This jet will fill the gap as the U.S. presidentโs aircraft until the official planes are ready.
Jet Will Serve as Temporary Air Force One for Trump
The new 747-8 jet will not be Trumpโs permanent Air Force One. Instead, it will be a temporary solution while Boeing works on the next-generation presidential planes. This temporary jet is expected to be in use until Boeingโs project is completed. That could take several years. Boeing has been working on the new Air Force One planes since 2018, but the company now says they wonโt be ready until 2029. The delays and rising costs have pushed the need for an interim aircraft. Trump will use the Qatari jet until the new planes are finally ready.
Qatarโs Gift Could End Up at Trumpโs Presidential Library
Once Trump leaves office, he may transfer the jet to his presidential library foundation. The Qatari royal family has gifted the jet to him for this purpose. The plane may be used for museum displays or other purposes related to the Trump legacy. Itโs unclear exactly how the plane will be used after Trumpโs term, but the possibility of donating it to his foundation has been discussed. The $400 million jet would be a remarkable addition to the presidential library, showcasing Trumpโs time in office.
Trumpโs Upcoming Middle East Trip and Qatar Announcement
Trump is about to head to the Middle East for a foreign trip. He will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. During his stop in Qatar, officials are expected to announce the details of the jet deal. This trip is important as it comes just before Trump receives the plane. The announcement could happen while he is in Qatar. This will also be Trumpโs second foreign trip of his second term as president.
Trump Inspected the Jet Earlier This Year
Earlier in 2023, Trump took a tour of the luxury jet. He visited the plane at West Palm Beach International Airport in February. He seemed impressed with the aircraft. Afterward, the Trump administration began working with defense company L3Harris to prepare the plane for presidential use. L3Harris worked on fine-tuning the plane for security, communication, and comfort. This preparation is necessary for any jet that will be used as Air Force One.
Jet Will Be Ready for Trump by Fall
The Trump administration is working to make sure the jet is ready to fly by fall. Trump wants the plane available as soon as possible. The Qatari jet has already undergone upgrades. These improvements will allow it to meet the standards required for Air Force One. Trump hopes to begin using the plane in the fall, filling in for the aging Air Force One jets currently in service.
Boeingโs Delayed Air Force One Project
In 2018, the Trump administration awarded Boeing a large contract to build two new Air Force One planes. The contract was worth $3.9 billion. The new planes were meant to replace the old 747-200 jets that have been in use since the 1990s. However, the project has faced several delays. Boeing has struggled to meet deadlines, and costs have soared. The new Air Force One jets will not be ready until 2029, which has led to the need for a temporary solution like the Qatari jet.
The Need for a Backup Presidential Jet
Currently, the U.S. uses two old Boeing 747-200 jets as Air Force One. These planes have been in service for more than 30 years. Many officials believe that a backup plane is necessary. This would help ensure the president always has a working aircraft. The new jet from Qatar could serve as this backup. It would give the president more options while the new planes are being built.
Air Force One Requires Special Features for Safety and Communication
Air Force One is not just a regular plane. It needs advanced systems for communication and defense. These systems protect the president while in the air. They ensure the president can stay in touch with military leaders and officials at all times. Building a plane with these features is costly and complex. This is why the development of new Air Force One planes takes so long. It also drives up the price.
Trumpโs Involvement in the Design of New Air Force One
Trump was closely involved in the design process for the new Air Force One jets. He personally worked on choosing the color scheme. He also played a role in the negotiations for the planes. Trump took pride in pushing the price down. He often spoke about how he helped reduce the cost of the new jets. His involvement was part of his effort to make the planes reflect his vision for the U.S. presidency.
Boeingโs Delays and Elon Muskโs Involvement
Boeingโs struggles to meet deadlines have caused frustration. To help with the delays, tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly offered his assistance. Musk is known for his work with advanced technology and aerospace. His input could have helped speed up the process or find alternative solutions. However, the delays continue, and Boeing is still working to meet its 2029 deadline.
Legal Review of Qatarโs Gift to Trump
Before accepting the jet from Qatar, Trumpโs administration carefully reviewed the legal implications. The U.S. Constitution forbids government officials from accepting gifts without congressional approval. However, the administration concluded that receiving the jet is legally permissible. According to legal experts, the jet is not being given in exchange for an official act. Therefore, it does not violate the law.
Legal Experts Confirm the Deal is Permissible
Top legal advisors, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington, reviewed the matter. They determined that accepting the jet does not break any rules. Since the gift isnโt tied to any actions or favors, it does not violate the Constitutionโs emoluments clause. Legal experts say the deal is above board and will not face any legal challenges.
Awaiting Comments from the White House and Qatar
The White House and the Qatari Embassy have yet to comment on the jet deal. Officials may provide more information during Trumpโs visit to Qatar. More details on the gift and its future use will likely come to light soon.
