WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s plan to accept a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar’s royal family as a temporary Air Force One has sparked a rare and intense backlash from within his own MAGA base, alongside criticism from Republican senators and Democrats alike. The controversial deal, first reported by ABC News, has ignited debates over ethical, legal, security, and constitutional concerns, with some calling it a “bribe” and a “stain” on Trump’s presidency.
A “Flying Palace” Gift
The jet, described as a “flying palace” with lavish interiors and advanced technology, was offered by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense for temporary use as Air Force One until two new Boeing planes are delivered. Valued at approximately $400 million, the aircraft would require significant retrofitting and security upgrades, potentially at taxpayer expense, before it could serve as the presidential plane. After Trump’s term, the jet is reportedly slated to be transferred to his presidential library foundation, raising further questions about personal gain.
Trump defended the decision, calling it “stupid” to reject a free plane. “I could be a stupid person and say no, we don’t want a free plane,” he said during a press interaction, emphasizing that the jet would be donated to a presidential library post-tenure, similar to past practices with decommissioned aircraft.
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MAGA Faithful Cry Foul
In a surprising turn, some of Trump’s staunchest supporters have publicly criticized the move. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer, known for her unwavering loyalty to Trump, posted on X:
“I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him. But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.” Conservative radio host Mark Levin accused Qatar of spreading “anti-American” propaganda, arguing that accepting the jet undermines Trump’s “America First” mantra.
“Taking sacks of goodies from people who support Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, Al Jazeera, all the rest, that’s not America First,” Levin wrote, linking Qatar to controversial entities.
Andrew McCarthy, a contributing editor at National Review, called the gift “indefensible,” stating, “The president and his flacks again demonstrate that they don’t grasp the concepts of constitutional duty and conflicts of interest.” Talk radio host Erick Erickson echoed these sentiments, warning that the deal could expose Trump to legal trouble and questioning former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s reported approval of its legality.
Republican Senators Express Concern
Several GOP senators have voiced misgivings, highlighting potential security and legal risks. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) described the plan as “a mistake” and “not worth the appearance of impropriety.” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate GOP leadership, urged the White House to examine the “constitutionality” of accepting such a gift. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a key Trump ally, went further, stating, “I’m not flying on a Qatari plane. They support Hamas,” and questioning the jet’s safety.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) emphasized a preference for American-made aircraft, saying, “It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America.” Meanwhile, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) dismissed the controversy as “stupid,” arguing that other presidents have displayed planes at their libraries, though he admitted uncertainty about their origins.
Democratic Outrage and Legal Questions
Democrats have been vocal in their condemnation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to place holds on Trump’s Justice Department nominees and called for Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify before Congress. “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar,” Schumer quipped on social media, labeling the deal as “premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) cited the Constitution’s No Title of Nobility clause, calling the move “brazen corruption.” Legal experts, including Jessica Levinson of Loyola Law School, have described the gift as “unprecedented,” pointing to potential violations of the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which prohibits federal officeholders from accepting foreign gifts without congressional consent.
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Security and Ethical Concerns
Aviation and intelligence experts have raised alarms about the security implications of using a foreign-gifted jet for sensitive presidential travel. Converting the aircraft into Air Force One would require a years-long overhaul to eliminate potential listening devices and install sophisticated systems for mid-air refueling, missile defense, and secure communications. Questions remain about who would bear the cost of these modifications.
Qatar’s ties to Hamas and its funding of Al Jazeera have fueled additional scrutiny. Critics, including some MAGA influencers, argue that accepting the jet could compromise U.S. foreign policy, especially given Qatar’s complex relationships with Iran and other regional actors. The Trump Organization’s recent agreement to develop a golf course in Qatar with a state-backed real estate company has further intensified concerns about conflicts of interest.
Qatar’s Position and Trump’s Middle East Trip
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché, clarified that the jet is under consideration for “temporary use” as part of a government-to-government transaction, not a personal gift. However, Trump’s private references to the plane as “one of my new big, beautiful planes” have raised doubts about his intentions, according to sources cited by Rolling Stone.
The controversy coincides with Trump’s first major foreign trip of his second term, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The timing has amplified scrutiny, as the Trump administration is also developing real estate projects in the region, including the Qatar golf course deal.
A Divided GOP and Uncertain Path Forward
While some Republicans, like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), have expressed skepticism without outright rejecting the deal, no Senate Republicans have publicly called for its cancellation. The GOP’s control of both congressional chambers and a favorable Supreme Court composition may shield Trump from immediate legal consequences, but the political fallout could linger.
Late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, have also weighed in, with Stewart joking, “Trump’s going to take a $400m jet from people he would expel from Columbia University.” The public outcry, spanning MAGA influencers, GOP lawmakers, and Democratic leaders, underscores the deal’s unprecedented nature and its potential to reshape perceptions of Trump’s second term.
As the White House navigates the “legal details” of the proposed deal, the controversy over the Qatari jet remains a flashpoint, uniting unlikely critics in a rare moment of bipartisan and intra-party discord.