“During President Trump’s upcoming visit, Jett reports that the US government is talented from Qatar,” the spokesperson said.
Qatar on May 11 denied the final decision to give President Donald Trump a jumbo jet that will use the jumbo jet as Air Force 1 during his planned visit this week, saying the idea is still “under consideration.”
Qatar’s media attaché Ali Al Ansari said in a statement:
“The possibility of relocating aircraft for temporary use as an air force is currently under consideration between Qatar and the US Department of Defense,” the statement said. “However, the issues remain under review by their respective legal departments and no decision has been made.”
The plane estimate is around $400 million.
The report says the plane will be handed over to the Department of Defense, where it will be properly reconstructed to meet the requirements for the plane carrying the president. He will then serve as Air Force 1 for Trump’s remaining term before being handed over to the Trump Presidential Library.
The administration has prepared an analysis that argued that accepting gifts is legal because it is not directly given to Trump, but rather to the Pentagon and later to the Trump Presidential Library.
When asked by email about the report, the White House did not confirm or deny the story, but in the Epoch era, it sent a statement from press secretary Caroline Leavitt.
“Gifts given by foreign governments are always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency,” the statement said.
The emoluments clause of the US Constitution states that “any person who does not hold an office of interest or trust under the United States will not accept any kind of king, prince, or foreign, of any kind without the consent of Congress.”
Currently, the two planes act as one Air Force, both of which are modified Boeing 747s. They are more than 30 years old, and Boeing has been behind for a long time in a project to replace permanently delayed planes.
Delivery for the first plane is expected in 2027, while the second plane is expected in 2028.
The report spurred sharp criticism from Democrats.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (DN.Y.), a democratic ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, argued that the emoluments clause prohibits Trump from accepting planes without Congressional approval.
“The emolations clause in the constitution leaves no doubt. We cannot accept a single benefit, payment or benefit from a foreign government without the express consent of Congress,” Nadler said. “Whatever is less is a terrible violation of the oath of the president’s office and a profound betrayal of the trust of the people.”
