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3471President Donald Trump is defending a controversial plan to use a luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One, brushing off criticism from Democrats and even some allies who say the move raises serious ethical questions.
Trump Wants a Flashier Plane
Trump complained during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity aboard Air Force One that the plane he currently flies is nearly 40 years old, while leaders in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar get to fly on brand-new jets.
“This is like a totally different plane. It’s much smaller and less impressive,” Trump said.
“We are the United States of America. I believe we should have the most impressive plane.”
The aircraft in question is a 13-year-old luxury 747-8 that Qatar offered to gift to the U.S. Defense Department.
Trump says the gift was Qatar’s way of showing appreciation for the U.S. role in regional security, and insists the plane would ultimately be used by the American government and not for personal gain.
In the interview, Trump also downplayed criticism from those raising legal concerns.
“It’s going to be a couple of years before the planes are finished, and they will be wonderful when they are finished,” he said, referring to the long-delayed new Air Force One jets from Boeing.
“This is the most materialistic, superficial human to ever walk the Earth. Every situation—every single one—turns into a grift. And this is no different,” wrote Chris D. Jackson, a political strategist and commentator, in the viral X post.
Critics Say It Misses the Point
Critics say this is exactly the problem. “Just listen to him. He’s not talking about security, policy, or the American people—he’s whining that other countries have newer planes than him,” wrote Chris D. Jackson.
“Wake up, people. He doesn’t care about you. He never has.”
Others voiced concern that the arrangement violates the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which bars federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments.
“Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on X.
“It’s not just bribery; it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
Trump also responded to the criticism in a post on Truth Social.
“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA,” Trump wrote.
Qatar officials say the transfer is not finalized.
“The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is still being reviewed by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense,” said Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché to the U.S.
Even Some Trump Fans Aren’t Convinced
Even some of Trump’s supporters aren’t on board. Far-right activist Laura Loomer posted, “I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him. But… we cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
Trump, however, dismissed the criticism. “Only a stupid person would say” the U.S. shouldn’t accept the gift, he said.
“We give too many gifts to countries that wouldn’t even exist without us. So if someone makes a gift to us, why wouldn’t we accept it?”
Boeing Still Hasn’t Delivered the New Jets
While Boeing has struggled to deliver the new Air Force One jets ordered in 2018—they’re not expected to be ready until 2029—Trump says this temporary fix is practical and patriotic.
Still, the issue has split public opinion. Some commenters online defend Trump, saying he’s simply trying to modernize the presidency.
Others say the controversy shows, once again, that Trump is more focused on luxury and status than the American people. One user called it “Plane envy.”
Another wrote, “He has his own personal planes, you numbnuts. He’s trying to provide the President of the US, now and future, with the best available.”
Others were more critical: “He doesn’t give a sh*t about anything or anyone but Donnie,” one post read, while another called the situation “pure evil.”
A few users also questioned Boeing’s delays.
“How is producing a new Air Force One not one of Boeing’s top priority projects?” one asked. “It’s almost been nearly a decade.”
What Happens Next
The plane, if approved, would first undergo major modifications (which by some estimates could cost hundreds of millions of dollars) to meet military standards before being handed over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation after he leaves office.
Whether the deal goes through or not, it’s already turned into another flashpoint in a presidency that often mixes politics, personal brand, and public policy into one headline-making package.
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