President Trump is set to receive a “flying palace” Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family.
Qatar’s royal family is gifting Trump a luxurious 747-8 jumbo jet, dubbed a “flying palace,” to be used as Air Force One.
Trump may receives a luxury boeing 747 from Quatar
President Donald Trump is reportedly set to receive a $400 million “flying palace” Boeing 747-8 from Qatar’s royal family.
According to multiple sources, this ultra-luxurious aircraft may temporarily serve as Air Force One while Boeing finishes its delayed new presidential fleet.
This decision comes amid years of delays and budget overruns in Boeing’s contract to build two new presidential aircraft.
Trump confirms use of Qatar’s 747-8 jet as interim Air Force One
On social media, Trump comfirmed the arrangement in a Truth Social post.
He blasted Democrats for criticizing what he described as a “gift” to the U.S. government.
“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,” he wrote.
“Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”
The luxurious aircraft is described by aviation experts as one of the world’s most extravagant private jets.
Additionally, it is currently undergoing final modifications by defense contractor L3Harris.
Trump wants it operational by fall 2025.
Qatar denies it is gifting the aircraft to Trump
Despite Trump’s remarks, Qatar insists that no final decision has been made.
“Reports that a jet is being gifted by Qatar to the United States government during the upcoming visit of President Trump are inaccurate,” Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Media Attaché to the US said.
Additionally,The Gulf nation clarified that the aircraft transfer is under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense.
“The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense, but the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.” They added.
Democrats raise concerns over foreign influence
The potential use of a Qatar-funded jet as Air Force One has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats.
Rep. Ritchie Torres expressed “alarm” in a letter to federal watchdogs.
While, he cited Qatar’s past ties to extremist groups. Sen. Chuck Schumer also slammed the deal on social media.
“Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar,” he tweeted, calling it “premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
Sen. Chris Murphy called the proposed arrangement “wildly illegal”.
He also warned it reflects the kind of influence foreign powers are expected to exert under Trump’s leadership.
Trump previously toured Qatar’s royal jet in Florida.
Additionally, he inspected the aircraft at West Palm Beach International Airport earlier this year.
Sources say he has been personally involved in design updates to match his branding preferences and ensure top-tier presidential capabilities.
Boeing’s official Air Force One replacement delayed until 2029
The U.S. awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion contract in 2018 to replace the current 1990s-era Boeing 747-200 fleet used as Air Force One.
But that project won’t be ready until 2029.
Additionally, the aging jets currently in service are expensive to maintain and lack modern defense systems.
Military officials have also pushed for a third backup aircraft—a need this Qatar jet may temporarily fulfill.