Recently, I covered how Trump isn’t happy with the current state of the Air Force One fleet, and how the new Air Force One is roughly a decade behind schedule. He reportedly cares a lot about flying a new aircraft, and has devised a plan to acquire a Boeing 747-8 from Qatar, and have it flying before the end of the year.
Well, we’ve just learned some interesting details about this plan, per ABC News, which is raising some eyebrows.
In this post:
Qatar gifting a new Air Force One to Trump
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to accept a Boeing 747-8 from the royal family of Qatar, as a gift. The deal is expected to be announced next week, when Trump visits Qatar on his first foreign trip of his second term. This is the same aircraft that Trump toured back in February in West Palm Beach.
The 13-year-old jet would initially be transfered to the United States Air Force, where it would be modified to meet US military specifications required for any aircraft used to transport the president of the United States. Okay, getting a plane for “free” from Qatar is quite a good deal for taxpayers, right, since we’re only on the hook for modifications?
Well, as it turns out, his plan isn’t for the plane to then stay with the government. Instead, the intent is for the aircraft to remain Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which time ownership of the aircraft will be transfered to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. That’s right, Trump will keep the plane!
The specific plan is that the plane will be transfered to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation no later than January 1, 2029, and costs related to the transfer will be paid by the US Air Force (presumably this assumes that Trump doesn’t have a third term, an idea he has repeatedly floated). The value of the aircraft is estimated at around $400 million, and that doesn’t include the additional communications and security equipment the Air Force will need to add to properly secure and outfit the plane to carry the president.
Is this legal, or does it constitute bribery?
This plane would be the most valuable gift that the “United States” has ever receive from a foreign government (I put the country in quotes, because it’s only partly going to the United States).
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to receive criticism about the legality of this arrangement, and in particular, about the plane being transfered to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation after he leaves office.
Lawyers from the White House counsel’s office and the Department of Justice have drafted an analysis for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, concluding that it is legal for the Department of Defense to accept the aircraft as a gift and later turn it over to the Trump library, and that it does not violate laws against bribery or the Constitution’s prohibition of any US government official accepting gifts “from any King, Prince or foreign State.”
Furthermore, Attorney General Pam Bondi has concluded that it would be “legally permissible” for the donation of the aircraft to be conditioned on transferring its ownership to Trump’s presidential library before the end of his term.
The White House and DOJ have reportedly concluded that because the gift is not conditioned on any official act, it doesn’t constitute bribery. They also believe it doesn’t run afoul to the Constitution’s prohibition on foreign gifts because the plane isn’t being given to an individual, but rather, to the Air Force and then a presidential library foundation.
Bottom line
The new Air Force One project is delayed by around a decade, and Trump reportedly wants a newer aircraft, so he has been working on sourcing one. Reports suggest that next week he’ll receive a Boeing 747-8 as a gift from Qatar, which will then be outfitted with new technology, and be used as the new Air Force One.
The catch is that this isn’t a long term gift to the US government, but instead, it’ll be transfered to Trump at the end of his term, for him to keep. So taxpayers are paying all the money to upgrade the plane, for his long term personal gain. The Trump administration has decided that this is totally legal. Honestly, I simply have no words here…
I know how polarizing politics is, but would anyone actually like to defend this? And if so, would you similarly have defended if Biden or Obama did this? This is just so beyond unethical, if you ask me…
What do you make of Qatar gifting Trump a 747?
Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew were obligated to turn down gold Omega Speedmasters commemorating the Apollo XI moon landing and we all know Tricky Dicky didn't exactly have a squeaky clean reputation. But that's orders of magnitude different from accepting a plane from a foreign government, despite manouevring to make it nominally legal.
#bananarepublic
it is disgraceful how low the usa has become.
Well done Ben, you threw a mouse into the ring and all the ‘rats’ jumped in to take a bite. Many missed the mouse in their haste and took chunks out of each other …. very interesting, thank you all for the entertainment .
This must be the "Mother of all Click-baits" posted on none other than ...... Mother's Day !
A Happy Mother's Day to all .... Muthas or not !
And not to worry, our dear President will make great utilization of the aircraft during his 3rd, 4th, 5th 'reigns' ... Hope it can last those almost daily short punishing sectors to Mar-a-Lago & Jersey for those demanding golf junkets.... !
The level of corruption is astonishing, even for Dumpf.
He really just wants a fancy, massive, rare aircraft for himself, apart from his constant need for shiny new toys and people kowtowing to him.
Corruption and influence peddling at a scale that would have magas calling for blood if it had been Biden doing it. Except no dem would have considered accepting a scale model of that aircraft, much less the the whole thing.
...The level of corruption is astonishing, even for Dumpf.
He really just wants a fancy, massive, rare aircraft for himself, apart from his constant need for shiny new toys and people kowtowing to him.
Corruption and influence peddling at a scale that would have magas calling for blood if it had been Biden doing it. Except no dem would have considered accepting a scale model of that aircraft, much less the the whole thing.
Even before you get to the security implications.
It's a laughable clown show in magaland.
Float price aside a 747-8 is not worth 400 Million and not sure why everyone uses that list price iir lucky did a post about this exact jet that Qatar was trying to sell a few years back. Best guess its worth 40-50 million
Whilst not a great look, it is much more ethical than all the US politicians receiving billions every year from AIPAC. To support the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Just who now is supporting Genocide in Gaza? It's not democrats, but your guy.
Regrettably, both Democrats and Republicans have supported the genocide in Gaza. AIPAC gives dirty money to both sides of politics.
It’s not genocide it’s war. If they wanted to off Palestinians, why wouldn’t they start with the 20% of their own population that is Palestinian? Your echo chamber is full of farts.
This big beautiful gift will be on display at President Trump’s library one day.
Wasn't the whole "independence" thing supposed to rid the United States of a king and ensure that another never took his place? How's that going, America? One hundred years of the Congress handing ever more powers to the Executive, Trump purging the public service and military in true Stalinist fashion and replacing them with barely-trained orangutans like Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel, and his ne'er-do-well nepo kids exploiting daddy's presidency for all its worth. But...
Wasn't the whole "independence" thing supposed to rid the United States of a king and ensure that another never took his place? How's that going, America? One hundred years of the Congress handing ever more powers to the Executive, Trump purging the public service and military in true Stalinist fashion and replacing them with barely-trained orangutans like Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel, and his ne'er-do-well nepo kids exploiting daddy's presidency for all its worth. But hey, he's stopped "The Woke", right, so the end of accountable government that obeys the rule of law is all worth it, right?
This man is such a slimy criminal. And yet his cult fawns over him. Egg prices are higher, stock prices are lower, tourism has cratered. So much winning from this con man. How embarrassing for every other president before him and every American who fought for our democracy that this is what tens of millions voluntarily asked for… twice.
And I thought Creflo Dollar was bad.
https://www.cnn.com/2015/03/13/living/creflo-dollar-jet-feat/index.html
When you out-sleaze even Creflo, you are truly a master sleazeball. (Red) hats off to President Trump! What an accomplishment!
The little-known fine print in the Emoluments Clause, asterisked below:
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State, *except that the President may accept whatever Emolument he Likes as long as the Emolument is...
The little-known fine print in the Emoluments Clause, asterisked below:
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State, *except that the President may accept whatever Emolument he Likes as long as the Emolument is given to his Presidential Library for his own Personal Use*."
Unfortunately, he wasn't held accountable for it the first time and he probably won't be held accountable for it this time. I can't believe that out of all the absurd, corrupt, blatantly illegal crap he's openly done, the only thing he came remotely close to being held accountable for was paying hush money to a pornstar from his campaign funds.
Not only is this unethical, its illegal. If this is allowed, this is more proof the US has a Dictatorship.
I typically don’t share my political beliefs here, however, there is no good reason the government should be financing someone’s personal airplane. While Air Force One undoubtedly needs a replacement, if he wants the airplane afterwards, you can’t just have them give it to you. This airplane is used for work and can be like into a car that a company might give to their employee for work. However, when you leave the company you...
I typically don’t share my political beliefs here, however, there is no good reason the government should be financing someone’s personal airplane. While Air Force One undoubtedly needs a replacement, if he wants the airplane afterwards, you can’t just have them give it to you. This airplane is used for work and can be like into a car that a company might give to their employee for work. However, when you leave the company you need to return the car. The same principle applies here. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion, and I do not intend for this to upset anyone
All presidents have a grift after they leave office whether that is security for life, money for their “office”, presidential library funds, appearance fees, insider information, preferred loan rates etc. Trump’s grifts are just more transparent.
There is no comparison between selling access to the sitting President via your own personal memecoin (which earned Trump billions) and making paid speeches after you leave office. Trump's grifts aren't transparent, they're blatant and so egregious they make even Nixon's actions look tame in comparison. Just cheating on his pregnant wife with a pornstar would have sunk ANY other presidential candidate. It says a lot about the supposedly "moral" and "Christian" party when they'll...
There is no comparison between selling access to the sitting President via your own personal memecoin (which earned Trump billions) and making paid speeches after you leave office. Trump's grifts aren't transparent, they're blatant and so egregious they make even Nixon's actions look tame in comparison. Just cheating on his pregnant wife with a pornstar would have sunk ANY other presidential candidate. It says a lot about the supposedly "moral" and "Christian" party when they'll still vote for a candidate after that. Trump should never have been elected in 2016, let alone ALLOWED to run for office in 2020 or 2024 after his two impeachments.
Seems like you're just mad about the degree (billions) since every politician and their family takes advantage of their position (Nancy Pelosi - insider trading, Hunter Biden - selling "art" for access). Obviously, the fact that Trump has cheated and has low morals and still won suggests that people don't care about those things for politicians because they realize all politicans are low morals...we just found out about Trump's.
Ah, the old "but but but both sides" argument. I hope one day they give it to you from both sides
Yeah, being smart enough to see both sides is difficult, especially from your mom's basement.
Ben, I hope you will print a retraction if this turns out to be FAKE NEWS.
This story is being reported by Fox, BBC, The Guardian, NBC, ABC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, CNN, CNBC, PBS, NPR, USA Today, The Jerusalem Post, Forbes, The New York Post, and Reuters. Apparently Trump posted about it on Truth Social and labeled Democrats "losers" for questioning the propriety of it, which seems very on brand for him.
Yes, it's made news all over the world. Few seem impressed, other than the fawning lickspittles at Fox and their even sleazier imitators.
There is simply no level of greed, graft, corruption, ethic violations that this man and his minions will not stoop to. They simply don't care. I wish to live long enough to see trump and his people behind bars. I can hope.
I don’t get how the USAF is going to get old Qatar One security and comms ready by the end of the year when it has taken them 10 years to get the new AF1s fit and prepared and they are still in the hanger. Something doesn’t compute.
They could settle for minimal communications upgrades. Getting a free 747-8i so that there will be 3 presidential 747's is good. Even better is if the Trump presidential library would loan the 747-8i from 2029-2037 when the two USAF 747-8i are done (2035 + 2 year additional delay). If that's the case, the 747-200 will have been used from 1990-2037 or 47 years and the Qatari 747-8i used from 2026-2037 or 11 years.
Except the fact that all of this is illegal, immoral and unethical, which of course matters not to the GQP. Ever wonder what Qatar expects in return???
Except the fact that all of this is illegal, immoral and unethical, which of course matters not to the GQP. Ever wonder what Qatar expects in return???
This is quite simply a bribe for special treatment. 47 has been peddling influence for years, among the Chinese bibles, gaudy sneakers and other useless trinkets people readily consume. Between that and what Kushner got there must be some whopper of a deal coming up. The office f the president has now been pimped out to the highest bidder. Speaking of that, how much does it cost to go to that "kiss the ring for...
This is quite simply a bribe for special treatment. 47 has been peddling influence for years, among the Chinese bibles, gaudy sneakers and other useless trinkets people readily consume. Between that and what Kushner got there must be some whopper of a deal coming up. The office f the president has now been pimped out to the highest bidder. Speaking of that, how much does it cost to go to that "kiss the ring for big bucks dinner and I will bless you" affair? 47 has degraded one of the highest positions of the free world to one of a common pimp.
It seems the President doesnt believe anything he does, discusses, accepts is illegal.
Just like any Dictator would. It going to b a long 4 yrs.
OMAATTDS
Wait a minute guys, did you all somehow forget that he’s literally flawless? I mean, come on—he’s perfect, obviously, and clearly we’re the problem for not grasping the sheer genius of his master plan. If only we were enlightened enough to see it...
Quite to the contrary. If orange man does something, then by definition it’s no good. For example look at the recent trade deal with the UK. Wasn’t that terrible? And now stock prices are actually getting back to what they were? Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Don’t even get started on the nearly invisible amount of illegal border crossings…
Look at all the pearl-clutching ring-kissers demanding OMAAT “stay out of politics,” and “stick to the travel content we need!”
All these people are really saying is “Please don’t remind us of the tacky felon we helped to put back into power. We need a safe space to forget about what we’ve done.”
I say if you don’t like Lucky’s content, you can screw off to Newsmax and get your travel tips from Jeanine Pirro’s wine box.
Meh it gets old. Anybody center or right of center is sick of having the legacy news media, Hollywood, universities, their favorite athletes and sports teams, companies, etc. all get into politics AND be so one sided. Take all your hatred of Twitter and imagine that was 90% of all corporations to you - that’s the world we live in. Aren’t you guys supposed to have empathy or something?
Lucky, please stick to travel reviews, not politics.....
Good for him. No different than Delta avoiding tariffs flying “new” planes internationally before flying home. But, it’s ok for others… Smh
Hardly the same as tax payers are paying for all the retrofits and upgrades for the sitting US President. It's one thing if we pay for the modifications and the plane stays with the next President but now we are on the hook for this one and the next. How much did DOGE save again????
Amen!
YESSSS....
NOOOO!!!!
As always, Ben can do what he wants, you are always free to start your own blog
This looks like a Big Win for saving the Country money.
Getting an aircraft for Zero dollars can't be beat.
So maybe we should accept airplane gifts from China and Russia, too? And why stop there? Let's let *everyone* shower DJT with gifts, even for a short time, because we *know* he never plays favorites....
So, the US will receive the plane. It’ll take months and tens of millions of dollars to have it ready for service. It’ll fly less than two months before it’s decommissioned. Seems like more government waste to me.
Meanwhile, we cut funding to care for older Americans. We cut money to help the poor. We cut money to educate our young. We cut money to support disaster response. We fire tens of thousands of...
So, the US will receive the plane. It’ll take months and tens of millions of dollars to have it ready for service. It’ll fly less than two months before it’s decommissioned. Seems like more government waste to me.
Meanwhile, we cut funding to care for older Americans. We cut money to help the poor. We cut money to educate our young. We cut money to support disaster response. We fire tens of thousands of civil servants who are the doing the jobs the people firing them told them to do.
America has lost its moral compass. Folks like @Hawkish can twist themselves into a knot all they want to justify this. But, in the end, illegal or not, it’s morally bankrupt and represents the very worst of America.
Greed. Sloth. Blind loyalty. We hate Muslims until they give us things. The MAGA way.
You state that it will cost 10's of Millions of dollars to have it ready for service.
Have you already gotten/seen the quote?
On 1/28/25 the USAF announced the total cost for a new AF1 was projected to be $3.5 BILLION. Back in 2018 when new refrigerators were installed in AF1 it cost $24 million, according to the government’s own numbers. You do the math.
Any more snarky questions?
Before it return to DOH, it did a quick 'fly-by' "AAircraft MAAxx" & got a refurb estimate valid for 4 days..... This country's government is sickening me ...
Speaking of waste, there's a parade scheduled about a mount from now with a price tag of $45 million dollars even going up as high $95 million dollars!
Reopening of Alcatraz, renovating The White House, etc.
It's all about a "tough guy" image.
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/03/trump-style-dictator-autocrats-design-214877/
The guy talked about ordinary Americans having to "sacrifice", having to deal with less dolls and pencils (which is already weird in itself), but he gets his plane, parade, gold plated...
Speaking of waste, there's a parade scheduled about a mount from now with a price tag of $45 million dollars even going up as high $95 million dollars!
Reopening of Alcatraz, renovating The White House, etc.
It's all about a "tough guy" image.
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/03/trump-style-dictator-autocrats-design-214877/
The guy talked about ordinary Americans having to "sacrifice", having to deal with less dolls and pencils (which is already weird in itself), but he gets his plane, parade, gold plated Oval office.
What a bunch of bullshit.
Since every comment you do not appreciate is "snarky", here is my snarky comment. What specific funding is being cut for older Americans? What money that was actually educating our young has been cut?
I am aware of cuts but they were mostly waste or corruption. Social Security is not being cut although it might be better controlled to eliminate waste and payments to illegal aliens.
Noncitizens do not have a SSN number to benefit from SS payments. They do have ITIN numbers to pay almost 100 Billion in Federal, State, and local taxes in 2022 (from multiple gov sites). I am also confused by the "waste and corruption" bit. Sure there are lots of bloated budgets in various governmental offices, but as a reasonable person, I would imagine a team of people would investigate and eliminate those specific problems. Instead...
Noncitizens do not have a SSN number to benefit from SS payments. They do have ITIN numbers to pay almost 100 Billion in Federal, State, and local taxes in 2022 (from multiple gov sites). I am also confused by the "waste and corruption" bit. Sure there are lots of bloated budgets in various governmental offices, but as a reasonable person, I would imagine a team of people would investigate and eliminate those specific problems. Instead we have DOGE come in on day one, without any evidence or investigation, started to slash every department in our government (in order to save money to give the wealth a tax cut).
As for specifics in funding cuts to our elderly and education, why don't you do some research and not just listen to one bias source.
You're right. Biden cut Medicare 3% for 2025 and Trump did not reverse it. So both parties are anti-Medicare.
The plane's upgrade is being paid for by the American taxpayers, as we have paid for Presidents "libraries" all along. I really don't think any fair-minded person could see anything wrong here. presidential libraries hold public and semi-private functions all the time, also paid for by the taxpayers. President Trump has been more generous in using his own money for improvements to the White House than any president in history. He also takes no salary....
The plane's upgrade is being paid for by the American taxpayers, as we have paid for Presidents "libraries" all along. I really don't think any fair-minded person could see anything wrong here. presidential libraries hold public and semi-private functions all the time, also paid for by the taxpayers. President Trump has been more generous in using his own money for improvements to the White House than any president in history. He also takes no salary. I wish you could see the hipocracy in your assumptions.
LOL!
I laughed so hard I tasted my own bile!
More!
U’re joking right? And please tell me you know that government doesn’t pay for libraries. Please, please tell me. U sounded so serious, though!!!
Umm, that's not how any of this works. Take another bong hit but stay away from the keyboard.
And the presidential library needs a plane to fly the official documents Trump keeps around after he leaves office?!
Did you go off your meds ? or are you simply a fool ?
MAGAs are low information voters for a reason
What can one way? It's just another grift from the Mad Orange God-King. He's delusional if he thinks Air Force will let the aircraft be transferred to his foundation with all the security, communications, and self-defence technologies still installed. That stuff's classified and would definitely have to go.
Surplus equipment charitably donated to Russia, China, North Korea..... lol
ABC said it? Ok, reliability index at -70%
Meanwhile Fox Propaganda Network is busy posting headlines that would make the North Korean state media blush.
This is just one more of the many examples of money-grubbing and grift from the most egotistical, overstuffed, un-schooled, unfit people ever to have held such high public office while adhering to the lowest standards of honesty, propriety, and ethics.
We all got what some of you voted for...someone who is unfit to govern, incapable of leading rather than shilling, uncaring about anyone or anything but himself.
Enjoy the ride with him because we'll...
This is just one more of the many examples of money-grubbing and grift from the most egotistical, overstuffed, un-schooled, unfit people ever to have held such high public office while adhering to the lowest standards of honesty, propriety, and ethics.
We all got what some of you voted for...someone who is unfit to govern, incapable of leading rather than shilling, uncaring about anyone or anything but himself.
Enjoy the ride with him because we'll all be paying the freight on this.
The government website, reaganlibrary.gov, wrote many years ago:
Most foreign official gifts which the President and First Lady do not retain for themselves are transferred to the National Archives by the Gift Unit, and become part of a presidential library museum collection.
If this is accurate, then the transfer to a Trump library is appropriate. However, the plane should be stripped for engine and avionics parts prior to display because that's how museum planes...
The government website, reaganlibrary.gov, wrote many years ago:
Most foreign official gifts which the President and First Lady do not retain for themselves are transferred to the National Archives by the Gift Unit, and become part of a presidential library museum collection.
If this is accurate, then the transfer to a Trump library is appropriate. However, the plane should be stripped for engine and avionics parts prior to display because that's how museum planes often get treated.
Certainly all the armoring and comma gear should be removed from it.
Like the 707 in the Reagan Library. An artifact.
I suffer an at least forty-years ongoing ad hominem hate crime invidious discrimination attainder personal attack due to what Chief Justice John Marshall referred to as an "...ignorant, corrupt, (and) dependent judiciary...". The current resulting U.S. 'monarchy' is an inevitable result of an ignorant, corrupt, and dependent judiciary.
It’s always projection. The real Trump Derangement Syndrome is continuing to pretend that all this behavior is perfectly acceptable behavior from an American president. Come back to the discussion when y’all are sane, normal human beings again. In the meantime I have no interest in anything y’all cult members have to say. Thoughts and tariffs.
Here’s a sane, normal response for ya. Eat it and weep:
The Current Situation
According to multiple reports, President Donald Trump is set to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. The announcement is expected during Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, would serve as Air Force One until...
Here’s a sane, normal response for ya. Eat it and weep:
The Current Situation
According to multiple reports, President Donald Trump is set to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. The announcement is expected during Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, would serve as Air Force One until January 2029, when Trump concludes his second term, after which ownership would transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
The White House counsel’s office and Department of Justice have reportedly analyzed the arrangement and determined it does not violate laws against bribery or the Constitution’s emoluments clause. The aircraft will be transferred to the U.S. Air Force, which will modify it with secure communications systems and other presidential requirements, though it will have more limited capabilities than the official Air Force One aircraft currently in development.
Historical Precedents of Presidential Aircraft Transfers
This would not be the first time a presidential aircraft has found its way to a presidential library or museum. Several historical examples demonstrate established precedent:
The Reagan Presidential Library Aircraft
In 2001, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library received a Boeing 707 jet that had served as Air Force One for five presidents: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush Sr.. The Reagan Foundation committed to preserving the aircraft and displaying it for public viewing, going so far as to restore it to its Reagan-era appearance “right down to the bowl of jelly beans”. This transfer was considered a significant achievement for the library, with no other presidential library having acquired a former Air Force One aircraft at that time.
Other Presidential Aircraft Displays
Kennedy’s Air Force One (SAM 26000), which notably carried JFK’s body from Dallas to Washington after his assassination, is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft completed its final flight to the museum in 1998, where it remains on permanent display for the public to walk through.
More recently, in 2024, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum received a retired Marine One helicopter that served multiple presidents, housed in a specially constructed pavilion.
Arguments Supporting the Qatar Aircraft Arrangement
1. Practical Solution to Aging Presidential Fleet
Boeing is currently converting two 747-8s into VC-25Bs to replace the aging VC-25As that serve as Air Force One. However, these replacements face significant delays and are not expected to enter service before 2029. The current Air Force One aircraft, delivered in 1990, will be 40-45 years old by their expected retirement. The Qatar gift provides an interim solution with a newer, more modern aircraft.
2. Consistent with Historical Precedent
The transfer of presidential aircraft to libraries and museums after their service life is well-established. The Reagan Library’s acquisition of a former Air Force One in 2001 and the Bush Library’s recent acquisition of Marine One demonstrate this tradition. The Qatar arrangement follows this pattern, with the aircraft eventually becoming part of the Trump Presidential Library.
3. Benefit to the United States Government
Rather than the U.S. government purchasing a new aircraft at taxpayer expense, accepting this gift provides substantial cost savings. When Turkey’s President Erdogan accepted a similar gift from Qatar (valued at $500 million), he emphasized it was donated to the Turkish state, not to him personally, noting Qatar’s Emir said, “I won’t take money from Turkey. I give this as a present to Turkey”.
4. Public Interest and Educational Value
Presidential libraries serve important educational purposes. The Reagan Foundation director noted that displaying Air Force One creates “a memorable experience that allows the public to walk through this magnificent aircraft and feel the sense of its awesome history”. Similar educational value would eventually come from the Qatar aircraft’s display at the Trump Library.
5. Legal Vetting
According to reports, administration lawyers have analyzed the arrangement and determined it complies with all relevant laws. The transfer to the presidential library foundation prior to Trump leaving office would make it “legally permissible” according to these analyses.
Conclusion
While some critics like Representatives Jamie Raskin and Adam Schiff have expressed concerns about potential violations of the emoluments clause, the historical precedents of presidential aircraft transfers to libraries, combined with the practical benefits of updating the aging Air Force One fleet, provide substantive arguments for why this arrangement could be viewed as reasonable and consistent with past practices.
The planned transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation follows the established tradition of preserving these historic aircraft for public education and viewing, similar to the displays at the Reagan Library and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
As with President Erdogan’s defense of his acceptance of a Qatari aircraft as a gift to the Turkish state rather than to him personally, the key distinction is that this aircraft would serve the United States government during Trump’s presidency before becoming part of his presidential library’s historical collection.
Thank goodness someone took the time to present the facts. Notice all the comments against this are full of personal attacks and against the President.
Thank goodness someone took the time to present the facts. Notice all the comments against this are full of personal attacks against the President, not reasoned arguments.
This reeks of an AI produced answer and it lacks the critical assessment of the people making these decisions for the US government (who are, largely, incompetent toadies chosen by POTUS to do exactly this sort of thing.
It's odd these topics suddenly come up to push anti-trump or administration. I'd understand if political topics occurred in prior years but not to this extent.
Please, everyone needs an escape from anything political and travel should unite everyone.
This is exactly the point that Ben misses. He just can’t help himself and justifies his outrage because this is about a plane. It’s a thinly veiled justification he seems to think people don’t see through.
You’re absolutely right, and if Ben gets smart… we’ll finally stop seeing articles like this. But it sure is a good way for him to measure engagement potential on his site!
It's not his fault that every time Trump is in office there are three scandals every week. Remember when Trump said he didn't know if he had to defend the Constitution? That was this week!
They don't "suddenly" come up. They come up whenever the president does something insane or corrupt. The reason you see so many more of them these days is "insane or corrupt" is every day for the current president.
You gave a chimp a flamethrower, and now you want the rest of us NOT to comment on all the fires he’s starting?
Lucky can make whatever point he wants to, and this one does involve aviation. Your personal discomfort with something that evidently doesn’t involve you is your issue, not his.
Bright spot: it sounds like he plans to leave office, thank God. By hook or crook, that's a good thing.
Not OMAAT worthy.
Why not?
It is an aviation related subject for discussion.
Only thing it involves a plane. I’m not booking flights on Air Force One. Thanks Tim
Not a plain Jane fanboy by any chance?
Poor demented soul.
So, we taxpayers pay for upgrades, and then don't get to keep the plane and upgrades for the next president? And we then have to purchase a plane and upgrades for the next president? Aren't the people in government supposed to be good stewards of our dollars? How does this make any sense? Where are us good Republicans in and out of government when this happens. I am throughly disgusted this could even be thought up much less signed off on.
It makes sense for several reasons, but to simply address this particular complaint — it’s a HUGE NET SAVINGS to taxpayers. How did you miss that part?
We are spending money to convert 2 747-8s. That will still be spent. We will now spend more to convert this plane for a short life span as AF1. So, yeah, we are out the costs to convert the gift plane for a short usage time. If it's $1 million, it's probably a good deal (as we could retire one 747-2). If it's $500 million, that's a lousy deal. I've yet to see the estimated conversion costs. How's that for math (and logic)?
The current Air Force One fleet is almost 50 years old. The next generation aircraft is delayed by over a decade. The Qatar plane will be used as a gap till the new plane can be delivered. Once it’s delivered it will be parked at an air museum (Trump Presidential Library). Total cost is negligible.
Can someone explain to me why this is a problem?
@ Dave Stafford -- So why doesn't the government get to keep the plane? After all, won't the president who is elected in 2028 need a plane, and at that point the current fleet will be even older? What's your proposed solution for that?
Literally reported four days ago that Boeing expects the new Air Force One to be delivered in 2027. The incoming President in 2028 won’t be riding on the Qatar plane.
@ Dave Stafford -- So the 2027 timeline assumes that requirements are relaxed, otherwise it's 2035, based on the latest reports. Also, Boeing said the 777X would be flying in 2020, and obviously that didn't work out. ;-)
With that in mind, I have two questions for you:
-- If the timeline extends beyond when Trump's term ends, do you think the government should be able to keep the jet, to keep flying the...
@ Dave Stafford -- So the 2027 timeline assumes that requirements are relaxed, otherwise it's 2035, based on the latest reports. Also, Boeing said the 777X would be flying in 2020, and obviously that didn't work out. ;-)
With that in mind, I have two questions for you:
-- If the timeline extends beyond when Trump's term ends, do you think the government should be able to keep the jet, to keep flying the president?
-- If the plane is actually delivered in two years, do you really think it's necessary for the government to spend a massive amount of money to upgrade a 747 for Trump, so he has a nicer plane to fly for two years? We're really concerned about lowering our debt and reducing government spending, so is this really the best use of funds?
This is 100 percent a safety issue. Americans do not need (or want) our President flying around on a 50 year old plane!
@ Dave Stafford -- Do you have an opinion/answer on my questions?
I’ll chime in here:
The Current Situation
According to multiple reports, President Donald Trump is set to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. The announcement is expected during Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, would serve as Air Force One until January 2029, when Trump concludes his second term,...
I’ll chime in here:
The Current Situation
According to multiple reports, President Donald Trump is set to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. The announcement is expected during Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, would serve as Air Force One until January 2029, when Trump concludes his second term, after which ownership would transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
The White House counsel’s office and Department of Justice have reportedly analyzed the arrangement and determined it does not violate laws against bribery or the Constitution’s emoluments clause. The aircraft will be transferred to the U.S. Air Force, which will modify it with secure communications systems and other presidential requirements, though it will have more limited capabilities than the official Air Force One aircraft currently in development.
Historical Precedents of Presidential Aircraft Transfers
This would not be the first time a presidential aircraft has found its way to a presidential library or museum. Several historical examples demonstrate established precedent:
The Reagan Presidential Library Aircraft
In 2001, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library received a Boeing 707 jet that had served as Air Force One for five presidents: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush Sr.. The Reagan Foundation committed to preserving the aircraft and displaying it for public viewing, going so far as to restore it to its Reagan-era appearance “right down to the bowl of jelly beans”. This transfer was considered a significant achievement for the library, with no other presidential library having acquired a former Air Force One aircraft at that time.
Other Presidential Aircraft Displays
Kennedy’s Air Force One (SAM 26000), which notably carried JFK’s body from Dallas to Washington after his assassination, is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft completed its final flight to the museum in 1998, where it remains on permanent display for the public to walk through.
More recently, in 2024, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum received a retired Marine One helicopter that served multiple presidents, housed in a specially constructed pavilion.
Why it makes absolute sense:
1. Practical Solution to Aging Presidential Fleet
Boeing is currently converting two 747-8s into VC-25Bs to replace the aging VC-25As that serve as Air Force One. However, these replacements face significant delays and are not expected to enter service before 2029. The current Air Force One aircraft, delivered in 1990, will be 40-45 years old by their expected retirement. The Qatar gift provides an interim solution with a newer, more modern aircraft.
2. Consistent with Historical Precedent
The transfer of presidential aircraft to libraries and museums after their service life is well-established. The Reagan Library’s acquisition of a former Air Force One in 2001 and the Bush Library’s recent acquisition of Marine One demonstrate this tradition. The Qatar arrangement follows this pattern, with the aircraft eventually becoming part of the Trump Presidential Library.
3. Benefit to the United States Government
Rather than the U.S. government purchasing a new aircraft at taxpayer expense, accepting this gift provides substantial cost savings. When Turkey’s President Erdogan accepted a similar gift from Qatar (valued at $500 million), he emphasized it was donated to the Turkish state, not to him personally, noting Qatar’s Emir said, “I won’t take money from Turkey. I give this as a present to Turkey”.
4. Public Interest and Educational Value
Presidential libraries serve important educational purposes. The Reagan Foundation director noted that displaying Air Force One creates “a memorable experience that allows the public to walk through this magnificent aircraft and feel the sense of its awesome history”. Similar educational value would eventually come from the Qatar aircraft’s display at the Trump Library.
5. Legal Vetting
According to reports, administration lawyers have analyzed the arrangement and determined it complies with all relevant laws. The transfer to the presidential library foundation prior to Trump leaving office would make it “legally permissible” according to these analyses.
Conclusion
While some critics like Representatives Jamie Raskin and Adam Schiff have expressed concerns about potential violations of the emoluments clause, the historical precedents of presidential aircraft transfers to libraries, combined with the practical benefits of updating the aging Air Force One fleet, provide substantive arguments for why this arrangement could be viewed as reasonable and consistent with past practices.
The planned transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation follows the established tradition of preserving these historic aircraft for public education and viewing, similar to the displays at the Reagan Library and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
As with President Erdogan’s defense of his acceptance of a Qatari aircraft as a gift to the Turkish state rather than to him personally, the key distinction is that this aircraft would serve the United States government during Trump’s presidency before becoming part of his presidential library’s historical collection.
Oh well, I stand corrected then. If the lawyers and attorney general of this administration who tried to justify overturning an election say in their opinion it's ok, then let's go!
Thanks, ChatGOP
Stop with the AI. You aren’t convincing anyone.
@Ben
It seems, at least by the Reagan Library webpage, which predates Trump, there are only 2 options.
1. Trump gets Congressional approval to keep the plane himself or
2. It goes to the National Archives, which gives it to the presidential library.
https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/reagans/reagan-administration/presidential-gifts
This American wouldn’t mind.
I would suggest that current opinion polls suggest perhaps a substantial number of your citizens would love to see your Governor fly in a 50 year old plane. Often.
Unnamed sources suggest President Xi will announce that in the interests of opening dialogue China (Huawei) will be donating the communications suite for the new interim ride.
Good point, unless the POTUS is Trump .... ! ...lol
@Ben, thank you. You cut through politics and asked the relevant FISCAL question. Are we paying millions for upgrades to a 748 that will be used for 12? 24? months, with that perfectly good plane being decommissioned so we go back to having (by then) 42yo 742s? The optics of the gift are questionable, but the math is the math. Like Trump, hate Trump, I don't care here. Imagine the plane was a gift came...
@Ben, thank you. You cut through politics and asked the relevant FISCAL question. Are we paying millions for upgrades to a 748 that will be used for 12? 24? months, with that perfectly good plane being decommissioned so we go back to having (by then) 42yo 742s? The optics of the gift are questionable, but the math is the math. Like Trump, hate Trump, I don't care here. Imagine the plane was a gift came from Buffet. Do we spend $X million for a 748 to serve as AF1 for 43 months less configuration time, all the time still maintaining two almost 40 yo 742s?
The current "AF1" 747-200s first flew in 1987, 38 years ago. But, yes, there are reports of having difficulties having both able to fly at the same time (and, normally, both fly on presidential trips). But, the issue is 1) how much will modifications cost and 2) how long will they take. If the answers were, say $150 million and 18 months, I'd have a problem spending that for 27 months of service. Pair, say,...
The current "AF1" 747-200s first flew in 1987, 38 years ago. But, yes, there are reports of having difficulties having both able to fly at the same time (and, normally, both fly on presidential trips). But, the issue is 1) how much will modifications cost and 2) how long will they take. If the answers were, say $150 million and 18 months, I'd have a problem spending that for 27 months of service. Pair, say, $10 million and 9 months, great! My fear is the $ amount will be high (actual, not estimate) and the useful life will be short (maybe zero).
"The current Air Force One fleet is almost 50 years old."
Delivered in 1990. 2025-1990 = 35 years. Oh, wait, using Dave Stafford® math, it's "almost 50 years." Got it.
The corruption, maybe? The "thanks for the gift, I'll remember that come the day!" that Trump is famous for? You know, "Find me 11,000 votes," "Give me some dirt on Biden and Ukraine can have the money," "Hey, Russia, why don't you surveil Hillary and leak her e-mails!" Yeah, basic corruption, just like his meme coins that have made him -- finally, his deepest dream! -- an actual billionaire....
I’d be more concerned with the gifts the Biden crime family received from Ukraine and China. But you didn’t care about that one, did you Benny? And how does this relate to travel and points? The hypocrisy from the Left on a continual basis is beyond comical and won’t win you elections.
@ Brian -- This has to do with aviation, and I've been covering the Air Force One saga for years, including the updates under Trump and Biden. So I'm curious, you're more concerned about Ukraine and China gifts for Biden. Does that mean you're not concerned about this, or you are, but just how as much as about Biden?
@Ben, spoiler alert: he isn’t, because they’re a bunch of hypocrite cult followers.
As a registered Independent, Libertarian voter, I care about both. It’s disheartening to see the Dems learned absolutely nothing from this past election and keep doubling down. “Everyone is a racist, sexist, homophobe” “Defund the Police” “Trumps a threat to Democracy” “Get your vaccine or lose your job” Woke shows rewriting history. “No human is illegal.” It’s all exhausting! The fatigue is real. Like it or not, Trump and the Republicans won in a landslide....
As a registered Independent, Libertarian voter, I care about both. It’s disheartening to see the Dems learned absolutely nothing from this past election and keep doubling down. “Everyone is a racist, sexist, homophobe” “Defund the Police” “Trumps a threat to Democracy” “Get your vaccine or lose your job” Woke shows rewriting history. “No human is illegal.” It’s all exhausting! The fatigue is real. Like it or not, Trump and the Republicans won in a landslide. He won every single swing state AND the Republicans now have control of the House and Senate. Maybe the Left needs to look at their own party because throwing stones isn’t helping. Ben, you can keep posting anti Trump stuff. You’ll get a lot of short term engagement/comments. But fatigue will set in. I come here to escape politics and read about my passion, travel. If I want to be frustrated and depressed, I’ll go to CNN or Fox.
@ Brian -- I respect and appreciate if you're here to avoid politics, but then dropping comments about the "Biden crime family" on a post about Air Force One doesn't exactly seem aligned with that goal. Looking at your commenting history, you almost always insert politics into posts that aren't even about politics, or you engage in posts where people do start discussing politics. Why don't you engage more in other posts that don't have...
@ Brian -- I respect and appreciate if you're here to avoid politics, but then dropping comments about the "Biden crime family" on a post about Air Force One doesn't exactly seem aligned with that goal. Looking at your commenting history, you almost always insert politics into posts that aren't even about politics, or you engage in posts where people do start discussing politics. Why don't you engage more in other posts that don't have a political element to them?
For example, on my post about returning to Egypt, you called someone "an angry Kamala voter." Does that really align with someone who is not here to discuss politics?
Since you're bringing up how you're an independent (obviously intended to convey that you're less bias than others), may I ask, who is the last Democrat you voted for in a presidential election?
The point is he’ll just lie about voting for Obama or Clinton a long time ago and being “disillusioned” with the Dems.
Anyone who tries to defend their remarks with “I’m an independent” is just full of it.
“But I have black friends too!!!”
No worries Ben no one here thought he’s an independent when he’s spouting Russian and Fox News propaganda. Anyone who immediately pulls the “Burisma Biden Crime Family” rip cord here immediately reveals themselves to be a full of shit cult follower. But good on you for calling out the bullshit since you can see prior comments.
Brian, the current president did NOT win by a landslide. Where did that come from? His victory of 1.7 percent was the narrowest popular vote win of any president since Nixon. Fact: nearly half the country voted for Harris. And the fatigue may be real for you but for the rest of us, we are just getting started with our anger towards many of the nasty events currently unfolding (like the ridiculous implementation of the...
Brian, the current president did NOT win by a landslide. Where did that come from? His victory of 1.7 percent was the narrowest popular vote win of any president since Nixon. Fact: nearly half the country voted for Harris. And the fatigue may be real for you but for the rest of us, we are just getting started with our anger towards many of the nasty events currently unfolding (like the ridiculous implementation of the across the board tariffs and the attendant poor stock markets performance during Q1 2025 as well the extreme power grab at any cost even when it violates the rule of law). And, this silly label of anyone disgusted with the administration as the “left”—-left of what, anti democracy, vengeance seeking, Orban/Putin/Erdegon/[insert illiberal autocrat of your choice] loving, FOX News enthusiast, right wing voter? And you want to talk about hypocrisy? The hard right may go to church every Sunday, but humility, forgiveness, and enlightenment goes out the window for them once services end. And, please do not call Ben “Benny”. It is insulting.
Not a landslide.
Why would you be MORE concerned about it? Especially since the Biden crime family is not currently in power? Is that is what's causing the market downturns in between the Trump-induced market gains?
Wanna cite your sources instead of just vomiting what Fox News told you, Brian? Stop projecting, it’s pathetic.
Joe, you have to be a special type of —— to not know about Biden’s corruption. Simply google Hunter Biden and Burisma and there are plenty of non Fox News articles. Why do liberals like you remain so ignorant, yet you call Trump supporters cult followers? Keep losing elections. “Oh, we will win the next one!!!” lol sure! The Zeitgeist has changed. You guys are the only ones not seeing it.
You really sound like the “libertarian” you folks cling to when accused of hypocrisy.
As if that makes your MAGA posts any more credible.
What a troll.
Why censor the insult, tough guy? You've already denied/deflected/projected, why not go all in and go through with the insult out loud? You really are a sucker.
@Brian
First, as I seem to recall, the guy who provided all the Burisma information was indicted for LYING to the FBI. He admitted that his statements about Biden getting bribes from the Burisma board was a lie. So why are you taking the word of a man who either lied to the FBI or committed perjury in court? Dude's a liar either way. He was also paid a hefty sum of money by...
@Brian
First, as I seem to recall, the guy who provided all the Burisma information was indicted for LYING to the FBI. He admitted that his statements about Biden getting bribes from the Burisma board was a lie. So why are you taking the word of a man who either lied to the FBI or committed perjury in court? Dude's a liar either way. He was also paid a hefty sum of money by a foreign company run by some of Trump's business partners, right before he lied to the FBI about the Bidens. Coincident? You tell me. Certainly seems like a smear campaign seeing as the GOP-led House Oversight Committee spent 4 years howling about this and only got a firearms charge out of it.
Second, I care about Trump's corruption because Trump is both President right now, and his corrupt actions both now and in his first term are FAR in excess of the money Smirnov claimed Biden was getting from Burisma. Trump just pumped his memecoin for BILLIONS and now he's getting a new plane gratis from the Qataris worth $400m. If you want to compare the supposed level of grift, Biden's supposed bribes don't even show on the graph next to Trump's.
Of course you would. Because you watch OAN and Fox and Breitbart and Alex and Steve religiously. And they all lie like hell. What you are looking for does not exist, just like the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny. Get a grip, not everyone is as corrupt and dirty as Trump.
hail to the thief!
You mean the guy saving our country from bankruptcy. There I fixed it for you.
The Current Situation
According to multiple reports, President Donald Trump is set to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. The announcement is expected during Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, would serve...
You mean the guy saving our country from bankruptcy. There I fixed it for you.
The Current Situation
According to multiple reports, President Donald Trump is set to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. The announcement is expected during Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, would serve as Air Force One until January 2029, when Trump concludes his second term, after which ownership would transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
The White House counsel’s office and Department of Justice have reportedly analyzed the arrangement and determined it does not violate laws against bribery or the Constitution’s emoluments clause. The aircraft will be transferred to the U.S. Air Force, which will modify it with secure communications systems and other presidential requirements, though it will have more limited capabilities than the official Air Force One aircraft currently in development.
Historical Precedents of Presidential Aircraft Transfers
This would not be the first time a presidential aircraft has found its way to a presidential library or museum. Several historical examples demonstrate established precedent:
The Reagan Presidential Library Aircraft
In 2001, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library received a Boeing 707 jet that had served as Air Force One for five presidents: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush Sr.. The Reagan Foundation committed to preserving the aircraft and displaying it for public viewing, going so far as to restore it to its Reagan-era appearance “right down to the bowl of jelly beans”. This transfer was considered a significant achievement for the library, with no other presidential library having acquired a former Air Force One aircraft at that time.
Other Presidential Aircraft Displays
Kennedy’s Air Force One (SAM 26000), which notably carried JFK’s body from Dallas to Washington after his assassination, is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft completed its final flight to the museum in 1998, where it remains on permanent display for the public to walk through.
More recently, in 2024, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum received a retired Marine One helicopter that served multiple presidents, housed in a specially constructed pavilion.
Arguments Supporting the Qatar Aircraft Arrangement
1. Practical Solution to Aging Presidential Fleet
Boeing is currently converting two 747-8s into VC-25Bs to replace the aging VC-25As that serve as Air Force One. However, these replacements face significant delays and are not expected to enter service before 2029. The current Air Force One aircraft, delivered in 1990, will be 40-45 years old by their expected retirement. The Qatar gift provides an interim solution with a newer, more modern aircraft.
2. Consistent with Historical Precedent
The transfer of presidential aircraft to libraries and museums after their service life is well-established. The Reagan Library’s acquisition of a former Air Force One in 2001 and the Bush Library’s recent acquisition of Marine One demonstrate this tradition. The Qatar arrangement follows this pattern, with the aircraft eventually becoming part of the Trump Presidential Library.
3. Benefit to the United States Government
Rather than the U.S. government purchasing a new aircraft at taxpayer expense, accepting this gift provides substantial cost savings. When Turkey’s President Erdogan accepted a similar gift from Qatar (valued at $500 million), he emphasized it was donated to the Turkish state, not to him personally, noting Qatar’s Emir said, “I won’t take money from Turkey. I give this as a present to Turkey”.
4. Public Interest and Educational Value
Presidential libraries serve important educational purposes. The Reagan Foundation director noted that displaying Air Force One creates “a memorable experience that allows the public to walk through this magnificent aircraft and feel the sense of its awesome history”. Similar educational value would eventually come from the Qatar aircraft’s display at the Trump Library.
5. Legal Vetting
According to reports, administration lawyers have analyzed the arrangement and determined it complies with all relevant laws. The transfer to the presidential library foundation prior to Trump leaving office would make it “legally permissible” according to these analyses.
Conclusion
While some critics like Representatives Jamie Raskin and Adam Schiff have expressed concerns about potential violations of the emoluments clause, the historical precedents of presidential aircraft transfers to libraries, combined with the practical benefits of updating the aging Air Force One fleet, provide substantive arguments for why this arrangement could be viewed as reasonable and consistent with past practices.
The planned transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation follows the established tradition of preserving these historic aircraft for public education and viewing, similar to the displays at the Reagan Library and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
As with President Erdogan’s defense of his acceptance of a Qatari aircraft as a gift to the Turkish state rather than to him personally, the key distinction is that this aircraft would serve the United States government during Trump’s presidency before becoming part of his presidential library’s historical collection.
The "guy saving our country from bankruptcy"'s 2017 tax cuts added 2 trillion to our national debt.
There is precident that gifts from other states are not quite what they seem.
I wonder if the USAF will be able to ensure that EVERY potential listening device has been removed. Somehow that seem impossible.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(listening_device)
Assuming it is not possible, there are plenty of solves to that. They don’t involve needing to remove the device. It’s called a SCIF and one is always installed on AF1.
Air Force One does not have a SCIF. The entire aircraft is hardened against external eavesdropping and secured at all times by armed federal agents.
Foreign powers can - and do - plant bugs on aircraft before oh-so-generously gifting them to their adversaries. The US government has done it several times to Boeing aircraft destined for foreign service. It's eminently doable, and it's the main reason why it's taking so long to prep those...
Air Force One does not have a SCIF. The entire aircraft is hardened against external eavesdropping and secured at all times by armed federal agents.
Foreign powers can - and do - plant bugs on aircraft before oh-so-generously gifting them to their adversaries. The US government has done it several times to Boeing aircraft destined for foreign service. It's eminently doable, and it's the main reason why it's taking so long to prep those two Rossiya 748's for hardened USAF service.
Reagan's presidential library has a 707. Kennedy & GHW Bush's both have Sikorskys on display.,
The plane will be displayed at his library - he's not gonna be flying around on the thing. His AF1 livery will likely be painted over not long after he leaves office. This is a great way to immortalize it.
uh, those were planes already owned by the US Government, bought and paid for by taxpayers, 'decommissioned.' This is, no matter how you slice it, a $400Million gift to Donald to use and take with him. And what do you think would be said if Biden had proposed something similar? The phrase "unmitigated gall" comes to mind ...
Biden (and fam) did plenty of seriously troubling quid-pro-quos, like, systemically. This deal SAVES the U.S. Gov’t — and thereby its taxpayers — hundreds of millions of dollars.
It becomes property of the Government, for free. Of which Trump will modify and use, since he is, well, the exact person who should use it in his role as POTUS — and then, just like the examples you cite — it will goto the Library.
...Biden (and fam) did plenty of seriously troubling quid-pro-quos, like, systemically. This deal SAVES the U.S. Gov’t — and thereby its taxpayers — hundreds of millions of dollars.
It becomes property of the Government, for free. Of which Trump will modify and use, since he is, well, the exact person who should use it in his role as POTUS — and then, just like the examples you cite — it will goto the Library.
Take a deep breath… and take your blood pressure medication, and maybe hydrate a bit. It really all WILL be okay.
He shouldn't get a special livery in the first place, the plane isn't his it's the American people's. You people are completely unreal.
Could this be the subject aircraft?
https://samchui.com/2024/10/06/photo-report-flying-the-presidential-boeing-747-bbj/
Let’s play “what if Obama did it?” Again.
Whats unreal is the title of this post. "Trump to accept" but later its "allegedly" accepts, reported by ABC. Little bit of a click bate title giving the wrong impression. May I also say I do not support this if the allegation later turns out to be fact.
Ohh please. You are an apologist and will find a reason to justify it or “that never happened”. Every rational human being on this earth knows, this is what will happen.
What are you talking about. I clearly said if it is a FACT. I am against it... What is wrong with you?
This is not the first time Qatar gifted a B747 to a corrupt dictator. They did with Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey as well. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/turkeys-erdogan-defends-gift-of-luxury-plane-from-emir-of-qatar-idUSKCN1LX0YR/
This administration is for freaking corrupt. Fleecing America for all its worth.
My company does not allow any employee to accept a gift greater than $50. Yet here we have someone accepting a gift worth more than $200M.
Corruption at its very highest.
Yet you were fine with crack head, gun toting, coke bag White House leaving, prostitute using Hunter Biden receiving millions from Ukraine/Burisma as well as his beautiful “art” that China isnt buying anymore. Hypocrite!
Hunter Biden isn’t an elected official. He’s just a president’s coke head son just like the current president’s coke head son.
You sound so “independent”
another idiot. Parents don't chose their children and Hunter Biden is not an elected official not had any presence in the Biden White House, unlike the trump spawn
Hunter Biden was never employed by the federal government in any capacity whatsoever. Your ridiculous deflection is pure BS.
That's nothing compared to the tens of millions The Biden Crime Family got from China.
@Marcus Aurelious
Provide proof. No GOP Congresscritter could. Meanwhile the Convict in Chief is making BILLIONS selling access to himself through his freaking memecoin right there in the open for all of us to see. Why aren't you mad about this? It isn't something "everybody does". It's something TRUMP does, and it's despicable. This is not business as usual, this is a narcissistic piece of crap using his position to enrich himself at OUR expense.
It’s informative to see how these over the top private planes look from the inside. This makes Air France LaPremier look like Economy.
I am just wondering which plane the Qatar royal family is going to use ? Maybe they own multiple or downsized to an A350 ?
The Qatar Amiri Fleet (which is used for the royal family) has a few aircraft, most of which are widebody aircraft. I'm sure they won't have an issue. I believe they currently own 2 VVIP 747-8 aircraft. I routinely see their widebodies at LAX, MIA, and LHR throughout the year (especially in the summer). I've also seen them in other European cities (but I dont frequent those airports regularly enough to know their frequency). It...
The Qatar Amiri Fleet (which is used for the royal family) has a few aircraft, most of which are widebody aircraft. I'm sure they won't have an issue. I believe they currently own 2 VVIP 747-8 aircraft. I routinely see their widebodies at LAX, MIA, and LHR throughout the year (especially in the summer). I've also seen them in other European cities (but I dont frequent those airports regularly enough to know their frequency). It feels like I see one of their planes at MIA every time I fly out of the airport (which is quite frequently).
JFK usually mostly only gets the A330. Proof that shopping from the Qatari princesses living in Europe is not what it used to be ?
The leader fills his pockets, the troops are revolting and the world laughs behind their hands.
As someone without TDS - yes this is ridiculous and absolutely corrupt, if true. It’s also a security concern because of listening devices.
Also, turning it over to the library by 1/1/29 is a data point that Trump isn’t truly seeking a third term and is just doing what he does best - drumming up media attention and controversy.
Yup just like he had never heard of project 2025. I won’t be a dictator on day one, Russia-Ukraine war will end on day 1, grocery prices will come down on day 1, Mexico will pay for the wall…the list goes on. You are part of the cult, just don’t have balls to accept it
Lol what? I said it was a data point for, not an absolute. Ole, you are hereby diagnosed with TDS.
This is what usually happens with foreign gifts… they get transferred to the library.
Trump and library lol. They don’t really go together, since he’s a mendacious illiterate knuckle dragger. What will it contain? A colouring book.
of course, the President has the option to keep them for their private use. Right now anything over $435 has to be paid for, the President must declare them on their taxes. Now. Wanna bet, 12/31/29, the USAF will declare the plane to be useless ...
How much spyware do you think is on this thing?
What I would like is a remote "kill" switch. Crash the darned thing with him in it.
love watching you deadbeat liberals get triggered by Trump!!
Give him 3 planes
Having no concept of ethics and the constant Trump d*ck sucking behavior of you Magats isn’t the flex you think it is.
And what does “deadbeat liberals” even mean anymore? I’ve seen this term hurled at literally everyone who doesn’t align with your cult: liberals, democrats, non-trump republicans/conservatives..come up with a better insult because literally everyone else in this world who doesn’t think like you is to the left of you.
Not safe to fly these days maga. HA ha got you on your unintelligent maga comment. Do typical of you magas. Get over yourselves!
As Mary L Trump has reminded us many times, the mantra continues to be true - Too Much and Never Enough. It's disgusting. If anyone before him, Dem or not, the outrage would be deafening. We are just a few months in, wonder what year 4 will look like? Is MBS going to fund a Florida Versailles to dwarf Jackie Siegel's? Perhaps the UAE will offer to invest 2bn in one of his meme coins....
As Mary L Trump has reminded us many times, the mantra continues to be true - Too Much and Never Enough. It's disgusting. If anyone before him, Dem or not, the outrage would be deafening. We are just a few months in, wonder what year 4 will look like? Is MBS going to fund a Florida Versailles to dwarf Jackie Siegel's? Perhaps the UAE will offer to invest 2bn in one of his meme coins. And all of this work of officials to help him skirt the laws when real work needs to be done.
It's great that Trump's appointees are OK with it, that must mean for sure that it's all good and legal and nothing wrong
I wonder if the UK will gift him a Rolls Royce for his state visit later in the year or an agreement that he gets free engines and repairs for his new B747!
Now there’s a thing Credit …. this despicable Labour Prime Minister has already taken the knee, embarrassing himself and this country, grovelling to POTUS is not beyond the bounds of possibility.
Can you tell me what exactly Starmer gave up in this deal that is really only a concept of a deal? I have seen nothing except the purchase of Boeing airplanes by a Spanish company that was already long in the works. it is the same as USMCA replacing NAFTA, nothing really changed but it was hailed as a great victory
Farnorthtrader, thank you for asking about the UK-USA trade deals from the UK perspective.
From what I can gather this deal is loose-loose affair. Both the UK and U.S. consumers are being taken to the cleaners yet again by our political masters.
The U.S. consumer will pay slightly less in tariffs when they buy some of the most unreliable ‘British’ cars.
While UK consumers will be offered U.S. chlorinated chickens and hormone...
Farnorthtrader, thank you for asking about the UK-USA trade deals from the UK perspective.
From what I can gather this deal is loose-loose affair. Both the UK and U.S. consumers are being taken to the cleaners yet again by our political masters.
The U.S. consumer will pay slightly less in tariffs when they buy some of the most unreliable ‘British’ cars.
While UK consumers will be offered U.S. chlorinated chickens and hormone treated beef, which no self respecting UK consumer will buy. Luckily the Labour government will be able to offload these food stuffs onto the likes of the illegal immigrants and NHS hospital patients, etc. Not forgetting the dog food industry too …. :-)
Farnorthtrader, thank you for giving me the opportunity to rabbit on about our most despicable Labour government in relation to the recent trade deals.
It is the opinion of many that this deal can be accurately described as a loose-loose deal. Both the UK and U.S. consumers loose out handsomely.
The gains are easily quantified, the U.S consumer pays slightly less tariffs on the most unreliable ‘British’ made motor cars. While the UK...
Farnorthtrader, thank you for giving me the opportunity to rabbit on about our most despicable Labour government in relation to the recent trade deals.
It is the opinion of many that this deal can be accurately described as a loose-loose deal. Both the UK and U.S. consumers loose out handsomely.
The gains are easily quantified, the U.S consumer pays slightly less tariffs on the most unreliable ‘British’ made motor cars. While the UK consumers have the opportunity to boycott the U.S. chlorinated chicken and hormone treated beef. The further upside for the U.S. meat traders is that the Labour numpties will be able to offload these food stuffs onto the illegal immigrants, unsuspecting NHS hospital patients and the dog food industry.
There are additional off shoot gains to be had by the German car manufacturers. Their German tin box vehicle components onto which two well known English companies adorn with expensive frocks, will still be available to the U.S. consumers.
I have been noticing that here we are using the platform to express political views and propaganda. I am an immigrant to this country and voted for Trump 3 times, are we Trusting corrupt media now everything they do is lie specially against President Trump. MAGA for Life!
@ Angel -- I'm not following your "propaganda" logic. To be clear, you have an issue with the details being reported, but assume they're not true and are a lie? Or you don't have an issue what's being reported, and you think any criticism of these kinds of actions is a lie?
Ben don't engage with trolls, they have no interest in a good-faith argument, just getting a reaction
Troll is right. And no way to verify who “Angel” really is.
I have to agree. I think political comments should be moderated, and your own should also be private. I made a comment a while ago and I was told to "get on my knees for Elon". It never got taken down. My comment was nothing to do with Trump or Elon. OMAT never took any action. Just Moderate political garbage off the comments...
Aren’t you late for a white sheet rally? Get off your soapbox magat.
Then you’re an idiot supporting a narcissist troglodyte. He’s disgusting. He has no ability to speak properly and the ramblings of an idiot. I hope you and everyone who voted for him, suffer as a result. You deserve it.
Regarding this aircraft, it’s bribery. Trump is a convicted criminal and doesn’t give a f— about his actions.
Go back to where you came from, beaner. ¿See how that works pendejo?
All this tells me is that we need smarter immigrants.
The costs of modifying the aircraft must be borne by the President or his library or the aircraft be retained by the Air Force
This isn’t a hill the Red team is going to die on. Congress and only Congress appropriates funds in accountability to the American people
I'm not sure why that would be, but regardless, you say that like it'll be a problem. However, I don't imagine it will be difficult for he or his foundation to come by the funds to do so. There will undoubtedly be an endless line of people and businesses lined up to donate funds to his foundation.
*If* he lets go of power, why would anyone want to donate?
Yes, Tim, agreed. We are to spend how many millions to get a new plane for 4 years minus the one? two? whatever? years to upgrade it?
Since I am not a lawyer, I cannot comment on the reasoning behind the claim that this “donation” does not violate the Constitution. However, the optics are awful and clearly demonstrate a conflict of interest. The administration will evidently try to get away with anything it can, and there are no guardrails left in the Republican Party to stand up to the President.
The Rape and Pillage of the United States, as the Big Baby gets his way.
Don't forget the last time Trump was in the region, he left giving Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt the go ahead to blockage Qatar. Might this be a play to keep in Trump's good graces to fend off the possibility of a repeat blockade?
He should just change the name of his foundation to the "climate change research foundation" and call it foreign aid and nobody will care.
Don’t America ever complain about bribery in other countries ever again. I do not want to hear it. As if the crypto scam wasn’t enough
What about 747-8s from Transaero airlines that had not been picked up and started retrofitting to become AirForce One years ago?
That was Trum’s decision back then
Is anything illegal in America anymore?
America is cooked
Crossing border has been illegal for decades, yet…
America's goose is both 'cooked' & 'crooked' .....! ...lol
I'd probably do the same if it meant I got an awesome 747-8 for myself
Then it’s a good thing you’re not, nor will ever be, the US president.
I guess that’s true
I would say I’m shocked but nothing King Trump spouts is shocking anymore which is part of the plan. When the absurd becomes normal, nothing is absurd. The Air Force already has the planes for Air Force One. They’re currently being outfitted and modified. Outfitting and modifying a totally different airframe will not result in the aircraft being ready before the end of the year. It’s just a new way to sell the office of...
I would say I’m shocked but nothing King Trump spouts is shocking anymore which is part of the plan. When the absurd becomes normal, nothing is absurd. The Air Force already has the planes for Air Force One. They’re currently being outfitted and modified. Outfitting and modifying a totally different airframe will not result in the aircraft being ready before the end of the year. It’s just a new way to sell the office of the President and enrich himself. I’m pretty sure Qatar will be free of tariffs though.
How would the upcoming Qatar Boeing order and its associated tariffs plast into this? If there's any concession on tariffs for that order (and any other orders by the Qatari govt) then it's most surely a bribe.
But even then, just don't transfer the key to Trump ever
Yeah weird. You can see an old Air Force One at the Regan Library. But it wasn’t moved until after the jet’s lifecycle was over.
As far as gifts go, there are gifts given to presidents that end up in libraries. Some of them are very valuable. But I don’t think I know of one this valuable. What will be interesting is after his term will they put it in a static display or will...
Yeah weird. You can see an old Air Force One at the Regan Library. But it wasn’t moved until after the jet’s lifecycle was over.
As far as gifts go, there are gifts given to presidents that end up in libraries. Some of them are very valuable. But I don’t think I know of one this valuable. What will be interesting is after his term will they put it in a static display or will he still fly it around. (I am sure he will fly it at which point I think it’s an issue). I mean the whole thing is an issue; however, I think it becomes a legal issue if he is using the jet as a private citizen.
SAM 27000 at the Reagan library remains property of the USAF, it's only on permanent loan to the library. As far as I know, that's the case with most of the major historic assets on display like the two Space Shuttle orbiters not at US government-owned museums (Enterprise and Endeavour). It sidesteps the significant bureaucracy normally involved in disposing of government assets.
That makes this "plan" even more unusual and concerning. Permanent loan means that...
SAM 27000 at the Reagan library remains property of the USAF, it's only on permanent loan to the library. As far as I know, that's the case with most of the major historic assets on display like the two Space Shuttle orbiters not at US government-owned museums (Enterprise and Endeavour). It sidesteps the significant bureaucracy normally involved in disposing of government assets.
That makes this "plan" even more unusual and concerning. Permanent loan means that since the USAF remains the owner, it can stipulate terms for its use and display (presumably, static display only, etc.). By outright giving away the Qatari 747-8, Trump can do whatever he wants with it. And I suspect he will probably find a way to get US taxpayers to continue funding its use for "security reasons" even post-presidency since otherwise, he allegedly had trouble even operating his old 757 between terms given the maintenance costs.
Those loaned vehicles have also been rendered permanently incapable of flight. The Reagan Library isn't allowed to use that crate for charter flights.
Will the famously aviation-loving Trump accept the same restriction on his new toy after only four years? You know he needs a new plane, and you know he never pays for anything.
It is likely not illegal, just inappropriate.
It must feel good in your arse and mouth
Ole, vile creature!
Illegal I am unsure, but at least the title which you chose is most likely VERY untrue...
"Keep it for himself"? Ben, even if it fits your political wishful thinking, you should know better than trusting and quoting ABC.
Assuming he wished to "keep it for himself", he certainly would not clamor it in advance, especially considering that, per your own story, he would acquire it... not from Qatar but from the US Air Force.
Delusion has its limits.
Flat out violation the emoluments clause of the Constitution. They think they're being clever by delaying the transfer, and perhaps the courts will go along with that, but it's bribery - and would not only get the jet but the improvements to it paid by taxpayers. That this level of blatant grift is is by many considered acceptable is just astonishing.
You’re apparently quite unaware of the historical precedents for this.
How does he benefit from those improvements when it will be displayed at the Library, exactly?
The current reports are that while the plane would be transferred to his library’s foundation it would continue to be utilized by him for travel. Moreover if we, the taxpayers, are going to pay for its refurbishment why shouldn’t it simply stay in service with the government for his successor?
You're just jealous you don't have a Jet. Lol.
Few quick points:
-Ironic that if he would've just stayed out of the deal during his first term, then it would've been delivered by now.
-Trump cares about image. Look at what he says and does. Reopening of Alcatraz? Parade on his birthday?
-No other president would care. Obama wouldn't have cared. Bush I & II. And so on.
True, Obama and the Bush family were mostly concerned about bombing North Africa and the Middle East to the ground, destroying countries and generations upon generations of people. Usually these kind of acts got high praise from the US public, media and the Noble Prize committee, not so much from others.
Can't wait to see how people try to defend him this time!