Qatar Jumbo Jet to become Air Force One (maybe)

In mid-2025, reports emerged that the United States accepted a Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar, valued at around $400 million, to serve as an interim Air Force One for President Donald Trump. This has prompted significant debate over the legality of the arrangement, the cost to taxpayers, and its foreign policy implications.

A major point of contention is the cost and timeline for retrofitting the luxury aircraft. While the Air Force has provided estimates under $400 million, some defense officials and lawmakers project the final cost could exceed $1 billion. President Trump has publicly stated he hopes the jet could enter service as early as February 2026. A key part of the discussion has been the aircraft's fate after President Trump leaves office; initial reports indicate the plan is for the jet to be decommissioned and transferred to become a central exhibit at his future presidential library.

The acceptance of such a high-value gift has raised serious legal questions, with critics citing the U.S. Constitution's Emoluments Clause. While the administration reportedly concluded the gift was legal, many constitutional experts disagree.

Subsequent to the jet agreement, the U.S. has significantly deepened its ties with Qatar. The two nations finalized a deal to establish a Qatari-funded training facility for their F-15 pilots in Idaho and signed a formal mutual defense pact guaranteeing Qatar's security. While administration officials maintain these agreements strengthen a strategic partnership, critics have questioned the timing of both the base deal and the security pact, suggesting a potential link to the jet donation.