The negotiations continue amid Trump's upcoming visit to Qatar, raising legal and ethical questions about the transfer.
**Qatar Offers Luxury Jet for Potential Use as Air Force One**
**Qatar Offers Luxury Jet for Potential Use as Air Force One**
Discussions between the White House and Qatar revolve around the possible transfer of a luxury Boeing 747 for presidential use.
The White House is currently engaged in talks with Qatar’s royal family regarding the potential acquisition of a luxury Boeing 747-8 for use as Air Force One. In an official statement, Qatar has clarified that while the plane is not being presented as a gift, discussions about transferring it for "temporary use" are ongoing. The aircraft, believed to be designated for eventual donation to Trump’s presidential library after his term, comes as Trump prepares for a significant visit to Qatar later this week.
According to CBS News’ reporting, negotiations are being facilitated by Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, with ongoing assessments by both nations’ legal teams. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's media attaché in the U.S., confirmed that no final decision has been reached yet. Sources indicate that the 747 will not be immediately operational, as it will require retrofitting and security clearances before it can be put into service.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the acceptance of such offers from foreign governments is handled in accordance with legal standards. In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump referred to the aircraft as a gift, asserting that he is receiving it with no financial cost, suggesting that critics from the Democratic party are unjustly insisting the government pay exorbitantly for the plane.
Currently, the Air Force operates two older Boeing 747-200B models that were customized for presidential duties and have been in service since the early 1990s. While Air Force One jets generally remain with subsequent administrations, the National Archives notes that only the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library has an Air Force One jet, which has been used by seven presidents prior to its donation. The aircraft from Qatar is said to be a more modern Boeing 747-8 version, distinguished as a "flying palace" due to its enhanced amenities.
Boeing has been under contract to supply the White House with updated 747-8 models, but delays in delivery have caused frustration for Trump, who indicated dissatisfaction with the timeline. He previously expressed concern that the planes might not be ready until 2027 or 2028. Throughout his term, Trump maintained a congenial diplomatic relationship with Qatar, highlighted by a major aircraft purchase agreement made in 2019. Qatar has a history of presenting luxury private jets as gifts to other nations, including one given to Turkey in 2018.
According to CBS News’ reporting, negotiations are being facilitated by Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, with ongoing assessments by both nations’ legal teams. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's media attaché in the U.S., confirmed that no final decision has been reached yet. Sources indicate that the 747 will not be immediately operational, as it will require retrofitting and security clearances before it can be put into service.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the acceptance of such offers from foreign governments is handled in accordance with legal standards. In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump referred to the aircraft as a gift, asserting that he is receiving it with no financial cost, suggesting that critics from the Democratic party are unjustly insisting the government pay exorbitantly for the plane.
Currently, the Air Force operates two older Boeing 747-200B models that were customized for presidential duties and have been in service since the early 1990s. While Air Force One jets generally remain with subsequent administrations, the National Archives notes that only the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library has an Air Force One jet, which has been used by seven presidents prior to its donation. The aircraft from Qatar is said to be a more modern Boeing 747-8 version, distinguished as a "flying palace" due to its enhanced amenities.
Boeing has been under contract to supply the White House with updated 747-8 models, but delays in delivery have caused frustration for Trump, who indicated dissatisfaction with the timeline. He previously expressed concern that the planes might not be ready until 2027 or 2028. Throughout his term, Trump maintained a congenial diplomatic relationship with Qatar, highlighted by a major aircraft purchase agreement made in 2019. Qatar has a history of presenting luxury private jets as gifts to other nations, including one given to Turkey in 2018.
