Despite Defense Department statements, U.S. and Qatari legal teams have not finalized the transfer of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jetliner that President Donald Trump wants to add to Air Force One. Officials say Qatar insists that the memorandum of understanding clearly state the aircraft transfer was initiated by the Trump administration and that Qatar bears no future ownership liabilities.
This delay highlights ongoing legal concerns over the White House’s reclassification of the deal—from a sale to a “gift” — which Trump has publicly celebrated as a major achievement from his Middle East trip.
Trump claimed Qatar offered the jet free of charge, but sources reveal the Trump administration first approached Qatar this year to buy the plane after frustrations with Boeing jet delays. Discussions later shifted to Qatar gifting the aircraft.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the jet will be a sovereign-to-sovereign gift, but legal details remain unresolved. Congressional Democrats have strongly criticized the arrangement, with legislation introduced to block related arms sales and federal funding unless the deal is withdrawn. Critics label the gift an “illegal bribe” and warn against improper foreign influence.
Trump dismissed criticism, noting the plane is “too big” for personal use despite suggestions it might end up in his presidential library. Legal memos indicate the Defense Department could initially accept the gift, with potential future transfer to Trump’s presidential library foundation.
After initial Pentagon statements that the Defense Secretary had accepted the jet, officials say legal teams last communicated May 9 and have yet to finalize agreements.
Trump’s eagerness to secure the jet was evident when he toured it in February, praising its modern, spacious interior and additional workstations compared to current Air Force One planes.
However, Air Force inspections revealed the jet was “very poorly maintained” and would require extensive retrofitting—estimated at $1.5 billion—to meet presidential transport standards, plus an additional $500 million to convert it back for civilian use post-presidency.
Former officials note Trump, as commander in chief, could waive some security requirements to expedite the process, prioritizing luxury over full capability.
Swifteradio.com
