Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly defended his decision to accept a $400 million luxury aircraft from Qatar, emphasizing that the jet is a gift to the U.S. Department of Defense and not for his personal use. He asserted that rejecting such an offer would be foolish.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that the U.S. government would be receiving a lavish Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family free of charge. The aircraft, intended as a temporary replacement for Air Force One, comes as the delivery of new presidential aircraft has been delayed.
“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME!” Trump wrote. “It is a gift from a nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will serve as a temporary Air Force One until our new Boeings, which are very late, arrive.”
He continued, “Why should our military—and therefore our taxpayers—pay hundreds of millions when we can receive it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done? This big savings will be used to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country.”
The jet, valued at $400 million, is outfitted with opulent features including a master bedroom, guest suite, private office, five lounges, five kitchens, two full bathrooms, and plush interiors designed by French design house Alberto Pinto. It also boasts modern amenities such as live television, internet access, 13 Blu-ray players, over 40 flat-screen TVs, and gold-accented furnishings. Unlike commercial 747s that accommodate more than 460 passengers, this VIP-configured aircraft is designed for just 90 passengers and 14 crew members.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump contrasted America’s aging presidential plane with newer aircraft owned by Middle Eastern countries. “You land and you see Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar—they have these brand new Boeing 747s,” he said. “You see ours next to it and it’s a completely different plane. It’s much smaller, much less impressive—even though it’s still impressive. But we’re the United States of America. I believe we should have the most impressive plane.”
According to ABC News, the aircraft—now 13 years old—will need to be modified to meet Air Force One requirements. It may eventually be transferred to Trump’s presidential library foundation after his time in office.
Recalling how the offer was made, Trump said, “They told me, ‘We’d like to make a gift. You’ve done so much. We want to give it to the Defense Department.’ And I said, ‘Well, that’s nice.’”
Addressing critics who questioned the propriety of accepting such diplomatic gifts, Trump expressed confusion at the backlash. “Some people say, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is—why not? We give to everybody else. Why wouldn’t I accept a gift? Especially since it could be years before our own planes are ready,” he said on Hannity.
