Trump Stands by $400M Jet Gift from Qatar

President Donald Trump is facing fierce bipartisan backlash over his plan to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar — a luxury aircraft that could soon serve as his version of Air Force One. What began as a flashy gesture of international diplomacy has now ignited a full-blown political firestorm, with critics warning the move could violate the Constitution and create a dangerous precedent.

The controversy erupted after ABC News revealed Trump’s administration is preparing to accept the state-of-the-art jet, gifted by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense. The deal, if finalized, would allow Trump to use the plane during his second term — with plans to eventually transfer it to his presidential library foundation.

But as the headlines spread, so did the outrage.

📣 Trump Fires Back in Late-Night Rant

On Sunday night, Trump took to Truth Social to defend the arrangement and slam critics in classic Trump fashion.

“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” Trump wrote. “Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.” 🔥

But the backlash has transcended party lines — and even Trump’s own support base.

🧾 Legal Experts Sound the Alarm

The deal has raised red flags over the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which forbids federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval.

“This isn’t a good idea even if the plane was being donated to the U.S. government,” wrote Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) on X. “But Trump GETS TO KEEP THE PLANE??? It’s simply a cash payment to Trump in exchange for favors. Just wildly illegal.”

Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) piled on: “Trump must seek Congress’ consent to take this $300 million gift from Qatar. A gift you use for four years and then deposit in your library is still a gift — and a grift.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back, stating the administration “is committed to full transparency,” and that any gift from a foreign government “is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws.”

But outside observers say that even the appearance of impropriety — particularly one involving such a massive gift — is damaging.

🌐 Qatar Says the Deal Isn’t Final

Qatar’s media attaché, Ali Al-Ansari, emphasized the deal remains under legal review on both sides. “The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration,” he said, adding that no formal decision has been made.

Still, the optics of the arrangement — a luxury jet from a foreign monarchy, potentially becoming part of Trump’s post-presidency brand — have critics warning of blurred lines between diplomacy and personal gain.

💥 MAGA Pushback: “A Stain on the Admin”

Perhaps the most surprising twist? Even Trump’s staunchest allies are criticizing the deal.

Right-wing activist Laura Loomer, typically one of Trump’s most vocal defenders, expressed disappointment. “I would take a bullet for him. But I have to call a spade a spade,” she said. “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true… I’m so disappointed.” 😔

Fox News host Mark Levin also voiced concern — not over ethics, but over Qatar’s ties to Iran. “Their jet and all the other things they are buying in our country does not provide them with the cover they seek,” Levin warned.

Even Senator Bernie Sanders joined the criticism, calling the move “farcically corrupt” and urging Congress to intervene: “Congress must not allow this over-the-top kleptocracy to proceed.”

🛫 A Flying Palace — Or a Political Crash Landing?

The Boeing 747-8 in question isn’t just any aircraft. Outfitted with VIP amenities, private suites, and secure communications systems, it's often described as a “flying palace.” If Trump ends up keeping the plane for his presidential library, critics argue it would set a dangerous precedent — one where foreign gifts blur into personal enrichment.

The Pentagon has not finalized the deal, and legal departments are still reviewing it. But the political damage may already be done.

Whether this jet ever takes off or not, Trump now finds himself navigating more than airspace — he's flying straight into a constitutional storm.