US President Donald Trump is under fire after announcing plans to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Qatar, a gift from the Gulf state’s royal family. The aircraft, often referred to as the “flying palace,” has attracted significant attention, not just because of its luxury and cost, but due to concerns over potential legal and ethical violations. Democratic lawmakers, in particular, have been vocal in criticizing the deal, accusing Trump of using his office for personal gain. This controversy highlights the complex intersection of foreign gifts, government regulations, and the unprecedented nature of the gift itself.

The Boeing 747-8, the same model as the aircraft set to be gifted, is one of the most advanced and luxurious commercial jets available, offering unmatched comfort, technology, and range. Its price tag of approximately $400 million places it in a league of its own when it comes to the most expensive gifts ever received by a sitting US president from a foreign government. While the jet will temporarily replace the aging Air Force One, a fleet of two Boeing 747-200 jets currently in use, this agreement has raised eyebrows due to its extraordinary nature.

Trump, known for his controversial public statements and actions, posted on Truth Social on May 12, 2025, to defend the deal. He described the aircraft’s acquisition as a “very public and transparent transaction” and emphasized that the gift was to be received by the Department of Defense rather than by him personally. According to Trump, the plane would replace Air Force One, with no hidden motives or complex arrangements involved.

“This is a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE,” Trump wrote,........

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