A $400 million luxury jet gifted by Qatar to President Donald Trump is drawing bipartisan scrutiny over ethics, national security, and the potential for foreign influence in American politics.
The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 previously owned by Qatar’s royal family, is intended to serve temporarily as Air Force One and later be donated to Trump’s future presidential library. Outfitted with high-end features including multiple bedrooms and lounges, the jet has been dubbed a “Palace in the Sky.”
While Trump’s team defends the gift as a cost-effective alternative amid delays in the new Air Force One program, critics argue the gesture raises serious constitutional concerns. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are questioning whether accepting such an extravagant item from a foreign government may violate the Emoluments Clause, which bars U.S. officials from receiving gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
Security experts have also raised concerns about retrofitting the aircraft to meet American defense and communication standards. Despite assurances of full transparency, the controversy continues to grow, spotlighting broader questions about foreign access and influence in Washington.
The unfolding situation has added fuel to the debate over the appropriate boundaries between diplomacy, personal benefit, and national interest in the post-presidency landscape.