Donald Trump was gifted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar to be used as a new Air Force One. When questioned about the morality of accepting such a gift, Trump brushed the concerns off, saying “I think it’s a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much. I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’ But it was — I thought it was a great gesture.”
Trump went on to say that the gift would be to the U.S. Department of Defense, not himself personally, and that he would not use it after leaving office. The plane is to be decommissioned and turned over to the eventual presidential library, he claims. Qatari officials say the plan is not finalized, however some U.S. officials say that the White House counsel and the U.S. attorney general (Pam Bondi) have already signed off.
Trump grew angry at the questions of an ethical quagmire, including if Qatar expects anything in return for the jet. Many have suggested the donation may violate the emoluments clause of the Constitution, which prohibits gifts from foreign governments to public office holders, and create an incentive structure for Trump regarding Qatar. Trump’s private company has several projects in the region, including a golf course.
“You should be embarrassed asking that question. They’re giving us a free jet. I could say, ‘No, no, no, don’t give us. I want to pay you a billion or $400 million, or whatever it is.’ Or I could say, ‘Thank you very much.’ Remember that Sam said, ‘When they give you a putt, you pick it up and you walk to the next hole, and you say, Thank you very much.’”
