Trump Qatar plane gift sparks outrage among MAGA allies and raises legal red flags.
President Donald Trump is facing fierce criticism from his own MAGA allies after confirming he would accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar.
The offer was intended to serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force One.
However, it has sparked accusations of bribery and constitutional violations.
Even some of Trump’s most loyal supporters have raised concerns about national security threats.
Qatar’s luxury Boeing 747 offer ignites controversy in Washington
Qatar has offered President Trump a Boeing 747-8 jet, reportedly worth $400 million, as a gift to the Defense Department.
Trump claims the jet would serve as a temporary replacement for the aging Air Force One fleet.
The current fleet has faced significant delays from Boeing.
The current presidential aircraft are more than 35 years old, while Qatar’s plane is 13 years old.
Trump insists the transaction is public, transparent, and a way to bypass stalled delivery timelines.
He claims it’s not a personal gift but a gesture of goodwill toward America’s role in regional security.
Trump allies question legality of $400M Qatar jet
Despite Trump’s defense, several prominent Republican senators have publicly warned against accepting the plane.
Sen. Rand Paul cited Article II of the Constitution.
It bars presidents from accepting gifts from foreign leaders without Congressional consent.
‘The Constitution in Article II talks about how the president can’t take emoluments or gifts from foreign leaders,’ Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky said on Fox News.
Additionally, he called the optics “not worth the appearance of impropriety.
‘We’re not talking about a ride on the plane; we’re talking about the entire $400 million plane. I think it’s not worth the appearance of impropriety.’ He added.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., told reporters: ‘It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America.’
Trump’s allies fear espionage threats from Qatari aircraft
Security risks remain a core concern for lawmakers and intelligence officials.
Sen. Ted Cruz warned that the jet could pose significant espionage and surveillance problems.
His concerns echoed those of multiple defense experts.
The plane would need major retrofitting to meet the classified standards of Air Force One.
That process could take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Modern presidential aircraft include hardened communications systems, electronic countermeasures, and anti-missile technology.
Retrofitting a foreign-made plane with these capabilities presents logistical, security, and intelligence vulnerabilities
Additionally, the backlash has extended beyond Capitol Hill, with even conservative media figures turning on the president.
Batya Ungar-Sargon, a frequent guest on Fox News and CNN, labeled the plane “a bribe” and criticized Qatar’s ties to terrorist groups like Hamas.
Ben Shapiro also blasted the gift, saying it contradicted the “America First” policy Trump champions.
Taking sacks of goodies from people who support Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood — that’s not leadership,” he said.
Even Trump’s supporters are outraged by Qatar’s connection
Loyal MAGA influencers expressed rare public dissent.
Laura Loomer, a vocal Trump supporter, condemned the move in stark terms.
“We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits,” she wrote on X.
Additionally, she accused Qatar of supporting Iranian-backed militias and working with Mexican cartels to smuggle extremists into the U.S.
Despite the uproar, Trump remains firm. “I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much,” he said Monday.
He dismissed critics as “world-class losers” and argued it would be “stupid” to reject a free, modern aircraft.
Trump emphasized that the U.S. desperately needs a temporary Air Force One.
Additionally, He reiterated that the plane would be decommissioned after his term.
It would then be placed in a presidential library, similar to the Ronald Reagan aircraft display in California.