Former U.S. President Donald Trump plans to accept a luxury jet worth $400 million from Qatar’s royal family, sparking bipartisan concerns over possible constitutional violations and foreign influence. The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8, is reportedly set to be handed over during Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East. His legal team claims the gift is legal, but critics warn it could undermine democratic safeguards.

Trump Eyes New Presidential Aircraft

According to sources close to the matter, the Qatari royal family has offered Donald Trump a state-of-the-art Boeing 747-8, currently valued at around $400 million. Trump inspected the aircraft earlier this year in West Palm Beach, Florida. If reelected in 2024, Trump reportedly plans to use the aircraft as the next Air Force One, replacing the traditional government-owned planes.

The aircraft will first be delivered to the U.S. Air Force, where it will undergo a series of upgrades. These modifications will include high-level security systems, encrypted communication tools, and defensive technologies. These changes will be funded by American taxpayers, not by the Trump campaign or any private entity.

Transfer to Trump Library Foundation

Trump’s team has outlined a plan to donate the jet to his future presidential library foundation by January 1, 2029. His lawyers argue that since the aircraft is going to a government entity first—the U.S. military—it doesn’t legally qualify as a personal gift. Attorneys Pam Bondi and David Warrington say this structure ensures compliance with federal gift laws.

White House and Justice Department lawyers have echoed this reasoning, stating the gift has “no strings attached” and does not amount to bribery. But the controversy has only deepened.

Legal and Constitutional Alarm Bells

Democratic lawmakers and constitutional scholars have raised alarms. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) insists Trump cannot accept the jet without explicit Congressional approval, citing the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without permission.

“Whether it’s a palace or a plane, a gift from a foreign government to a sitting or future president must go through the proper channels,” Raskin said in a public statement.

Critics also argue that accepting such an opulent gift could set a troubling precedent and blur the lines between private interests and public office.

Ties to Qatar Raise Eyebrows

Concerns over the aircraft’s origin are further complicated by business links. Just days before news of the jet emerged, the Trump Organization announced a $5.5 billion golf and resort development in Qatar. This timing led Democratic strategist Matt McDermott to label the jet “bribery in plain sight.”

“This is not about diplomacy. This is about influence. Qatar gives a $400 million plane while also sealing a major real estate deal with Trump. The dots are easy to connect,” McDermott said.

Experts Warn of Intelligence Risks

Security experts are also worried. Juliette Kayyem, a former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and now a lecturer at Harvard, warned that the aircraft could contain surveillance equipment.

“There’s always a risk when accepting such high-tech gifts from a foreign government,” Kayyem said. “Qatar will do what’s in Qatar’s best interests. This could jeopardize U.S. national security.”

Public Reaction: From Alarm to Outrage

Public response has ranged from cautious curiosity to open outrage. Some see it as another example of Trump’s unorthodox approach to leadership and diplomacy. Others see it as an abuse of influence and a betrayal of public trust.

“Air Force One is a tool of the military, not a symbol of luxury,” said CNN national security contributor Jonathan Reiner. “This isn’t about comfort. It’s about command and control in crisis situations.”

A Presidential Perk or Ethical Problem?

Analysts note that Trump’s current private plane, a 1991 Boeing 757 nicknamed “Trump Force One,” is significantly outdated. The new aircraft would be a major upgrade, providing modern amenities and extended range. But critics argue that a sitting or former president should not be accepting such extravagant gifts from foreign nations, especially those with existing business ties.

Reporter Maggie Haberman described it as possibly the most expensive foreign gift ever intended for a U.S. president.

A Defining Moment for Oversight

Whether Trump is legally allowed to accept the aircraft remains a question for Congress and the courts. But the bigger issue may be ethical. Does accepting this gift compromise America’s commitment to transparency and democratic values?

As Trump prepares for a potential return to the White House, questions about foreign influence, national security, and political ethics will likely take center stage again.