Multiple sources have confirmed that Qatar’s royal family has offered a massive aircraft for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s personal use, potentially setting the stage for one of the most high-profile diplomatic gestures in recent history.
The report, first published by ABC News, coincides with Trump’s upcoming second-term foreign tour. His first international visit since reclaiming the presidency includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Although Trump is not flying back to the United States aboard the aircraft, the gesture has drawn widespread attention. The plane in question is a Boeing 747-8 model — a behemoth similar in size and stature to the current Air Force One, but it is not yet equipped or certified for presidential operations.
According to sources, extensive security and surveillance system evaluations must be conducted before the aircraft can be accepted or used. U.S. officials have clarified that the aircraft is not being used as Air Force One at this time, and Trump will not return from the Middle East aboard it.
The plan is for the aircraft to eventually be donated to Trump’s future Presidential Library, once all necessary assessments and legal requirements are satisfied.
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché in Washington, told CBS News that discussions are ongoing between the Qatari Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the temporary transfer of the aircraft.
However, Al-Ansari emphasized that the process is still under legal review and that no final decision has been made. “Reports suggesting that the aircraft will be gifted during this trip are incorrect,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement affirming that any gifts from foreign governments are handled with full transparency and in accordance with U.S. law. “President Trump’s administration is committed to utmost transparency in all dealings,” she added.
A senior U.S. official disclosed that while Qatar has offered the aircraft to the U.S. Defense Department, no formal acceptance or delivery will occur during the current trip.
Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York, expressed concern over the implications of such a high-value gift. He has sent a formal letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting an investigation into the matter.
“This aircraft, valued at $400 million, would be the most expensive gift ever offered to a U.S. President by a foreign government,” Torres stated. He also raised questions about whether the gift violates the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution and called for “immediate ethical scrutiny.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump defended the offer, calling it a “free gift” and a practical solution to temporarily replace the aging Air Force One. “It’s a very open and transparent deal,” he wrote.
Taking aim at Democrats, Trump added, “The Crooked Democrats are furious that we might not spend hundreds of millions on a plane. Anyone can offer it if they want! The Dems are world-class losers! MAGA!”
Plans to replace the aging Air Force One fleet have been in motion for years. The first new jet was originally scheduled for delivery in 2024, but delays have pushed that timeline to 2027, with the second expected in 2028 — coinciding with the final year of Trump’s second term.
Trump’s visit to the Middle East, beginning Monday, marks a return to the international stage as President. The four-day tour will include bilateral meetings and regional discussions in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
According to Press Secretary Leavitt, the trip is aimed at “strengthening our nations’ ties,” and she highlighted Trump’s 2017 visit where he introduced his “peace through strength” doctrine.
“Eight years later, President Trump returns to reaffirm his vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and trade- and culture-driven Middle East — a region where cooperation replaces extremism,” Leavitt said.
