The Trump administration accepted the most expensive donation ever gifted to the U.S. by a foreign government: a Boeing 747-8 so large it’s considered a “floating palace,” donated by the Qatari royal family.
According to ABC News, the plane is set to be used as the presidential plane. After Trump’s term, the plane will be moved to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
The donation caused major controversy as lawmakers feared the gift may constitute a form of bribery. After confirming with the Pentagon whether it was legal to accept such gifts, the White House and DOJ concluded that, as the gift is not being donated under conditions of any official act, it does not count as a form of bribery. Additionally, as the gift is set to be donated to the United States Air Force, as opposed to Trump himself, the donation of the $400 million jet is “legally permissible,” according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
According to Air Force officials, bringing the plane up to satisfactory maintenance for presidential transport may cost around $1.5 billion with an additional $500 million required after Trump’s terms in order to convert the aircraft for civilian use.
On June 11, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth refused to answer questions presented by the appropriations committee of the United States Senate regarding the cost and timeline of transferring the Qatari jet to US Air Force One, information which is typically public.
