On Tuesday, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani rejected allegations that the country’s offer of a $400 million Boeing 747 jet to U.S. President Donald Trump was intended to influence the White House.
“I consider this an exchange between two countries,” al-Thani remarked. “The relationship we share with the U.S. is a deeply institutional one. The proposal regarding the plane stems from a defense ministry-to-defense department transaction that has been conducted transparently, legally, and is part of our long-standing cooperation.”
Trump recently completed a swift diplomatic tour throughout the Middle East, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The proposal for the jet has drawn criticism from opposition politicians in the United States. Alongside the plane offer, Qatar announced plans to purchase up to 210 aircraft from Boeing, including the 787 Dreamliner and 777X models. The White House has promoted this deal as the “largest-ever” order of its kind, highlighting Boeing’s significant role as a U.S. defense contractor.
Al-Thani emphasized that such gestures are commonplace among allies, negating notions that Qatar is attempting to buy favor with the current administration. “It’s a reciprocal relationship that benefits both Qatar and the United States. Everything we do has been above board,” he noted. “Many nations have bestowed gifts upon the U.S. I’m not drawing direct comparisons, but…”
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, noted that the proposed jet would serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force One, which is currently over 40 years old. According to the Associated Press, he mentioned that the plane would eventually become part of a future presidential library foundation. Meanwhile, Boeing is in the process of manufacturing a new Air Force One, though production has experienced delays due to various supplier issues.
Democrats have voiced serious concerns regarding the ethical implications of the Qatari offer, raising broader questions about national security. The Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution expressly prohibits individuals in positions of power from accepting gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval.
In response to the situation, several Democratic lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives urging Trump to present detailed plans regarding the proposed jumbo jet donation to Congress, in accordance with the aforementioned constitutional clause.
“The Constitution mandates that Congress ensures the President does not exploit the highest office for personal gain by accepting extravagant gifts from foreign leaders,” stated Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. “It’s imperative that Congress fulfill this responsibility.”
Additionally, Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., accused the situation of embodying corruption during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
In defense of the proposed gesture, Trump characterized the jet as a contribution to the Defense Department while further Boeing aircraft are produced, rather than a personal gift. “They are offering us a free jet. I could reject it and offer to pay a billion or 400 million or whatever it is, but I chose to express my gratitude,” he elaborated, adding, “I would be foolish to turn down a generous, expensive aircraft, so I view this as a commendable gesture.”
