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President Trump is reportedly set to receive a lavish Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family to serve as an interim Air Force One, according to a recent report.
The 78-year-old president plans to use the aircraft—described as the most luxurious private jet in the world—while Boeing continues work on the next generation of Air Force One planes, which have faced years of delays and cost overruns.
Valued at $400 million, the jet may later be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation after his time in office, sources told ABC News.
The aircraft is said to feature an exceptionally opulent interior. Trump is traveling to the Middle East this week for his second foreign trip of his second term, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Officials are expected to reveal the plan during Trump’s visit to Qatar, the report states.
Trump reportedly toured the aircraft in February at West Palm Beach International Airport.
In recent weeks, defense contractor L3Harris was hired by the Trump administration to retrofit the plane, which was previously used by Qatar’s royal family, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Trump wants the aircraft ready by the fall, the Journal reports.
During his first term, Trump awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion contract in 2018 to build two new presidential aircraft. That project is not expected to be completed until 2029, based on Boeing’s most recent timeline.
The U.S. currently operates two Boeing 747-200 aircraft as Air Force One, both of which have been in service since the 1990s. These planes must be equipped with advanced communications and defensive technologies to protect the president, making their development complex and costly.
There have been discussions among military officials about adding a third plane as a maintenance backup.
Trump played a personal role in designing the new Air Force One’s color scheme and negotiating project details, often touting his role in lowering the cost. However, the project has continued to suffer delays and budget issues.
Elon Musk reportedly became involved in discussions within the Trump administration on how to manage Boeing’s delays.
Ahead of the announcement regarding Qatar’s “flying palace,” administration officials evaluated the legal implications. The U.S. Constitution states, “No Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington reviewed the situation and determined the arrangement is “legally permissible,” according to ABC News. They concluded the gift does not violate the Emoluments Clause because it is not tied to any official act.
The White House and the Qatari Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
