Donald Trump has fired back at critics following backlash over reports that Qatar is planning to gift him a $400 million “palace in the sky”.
The current U.S. president is expected to travel to the Middle East this week, with stops planned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The tour will focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict, US-Saudi investments, and Iran’s nuclear program.
But what has dominated headlines ahead of his trip is the potential acceptance of what could be one of the most valuable gifts ever received by a US official.
American officials claim the Qatari royal family is poised to offer the 78-year-old the luxury jet for use during his term, ABC News has reported.
After his presidency, the aircraft would reportedly be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation before January 1, 2029, with the US Air Force allegedly covering associated costs.
The plane, a 13-year-old Boeing modified to military specifications, is expected to be used as the primary Air Force One until Trump departs from office.
However, the gift has triggered significant backlash, with critics pointing to the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits officials from accepting presents from foreign states without congressional approval.
In a fiery Truth Social post shared on May 12, Trump defended the deal, writing: “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. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”
Democrats were quick to criticize. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X: “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., cited the Constitution’s No Title of Nobility clause, and said: “The corruption is brazen.”
Even some of Trump’s staunchest MAGA supporters expressed alarm. Far-right commentator Laura Loomer penned: “I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him. But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
Loomer accused Qatar of supporting Iranian-backed militias, warning, “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true. And I say that as someone who would take a bullet for Trump. I’m so disappointed”.
Despite the uproar, it is important to note that the Qatari government insists no final decision has been made.
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché, told multiple outlets that the “possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, but the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made,” per The Independent.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation in a statement: “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency,” cited by The Evening Standard.
