United States President Donald Trump is about to receive what might be the most valuable gift ever extended to the U.S. from a foreign government.
ABC News reported that the Trump administration is preparing to accept a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the royal family when Trump visits Qatar next week.
According to sources close to the matter, the jet will be used as the new Air Force One until shortly after Trump leaves office; after that, ownership will be transferred to the Trump presidential library.
A brand new Boeing 747-800 costs around US$400 million according to 2019 data.
The plan was known as a “flying palace” while parked at the West Palm Beach International Airport in February and marks an unprecedented arrangement, sparking questions about whether it is legal to accept such a gift.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move's legality in a statement to NBC News.
“Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws,” Leavitt said.
“President Trump’s Administration is committed to full transparency.”
In his first term, Trump struck a deal to modernise two Boeing 747s to be used as the new Air Force One aircraft, but the fixed price with Boeing went more than $2 billion over budget due to repeated delays. This means the planes may not be completed until 2027.
In January Boeing CEO, Kelly Ortberg said the company was working with DOGE leader Elon Musk on delivering the plane sooner.
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