Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Tuesday denied that Doha had offered Trump a jet worth about $400 million.boeingAccusations that the 747 was an attempt to curry favor with the US government. "I think this is an exchange between the two countries. The relationship between Qatar and the United States is a very institutional relationship in nature," he said. "The aircraft thing is a Department of Defense to Department of Defense transaction, completely transparent and legal, and it is part of the cooperation that we have been doing for decades."
On May 14, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, Qatar.
focus of controversy
Trump made a whirlwind trip to the Middle East last week, arriving in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Trump came under fire from opposition politicians at home after Doha offered to give away the plane.
Qatar also agreed at the time to order up to 210 U.S.-made Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft powered by General Electric Aviation engines. The White House called it the "largest ever" order for wide-body jets and 787s from Boeing, a major U.S. defense contractor.
Al-Thani stressed on Tuesday that the move was "normal interaction between allies" and dismissed accusations that Qatar might be trying to "influence this government in this way."
"This is a two-way relationship that is mutually beneficial to both Qatar and the United States. We don't have any behind-the-scenes operations," he pointed out. "Many countries have given many gifts to the United States. I'm not saying this is comparable to the Statue of Liberty, but..."
Trump posted on the "Truth Social" platform last week that the possible gift of the plane would "temporarily" replace the 40-year-old "Air Force One" aircraft that usually serves the president. He also reportedly said that the aircraft would be part of the future Presidential Library Foundation. Boeing is currently producing its new Air Force One aircraft, but deliveries, including this one, have been delayed as the company faces supplier and parts hurdles.
Domestic criticism in the United States
Democrats sharply criticized Qatar's proposal to give away the aircraft, raising broader ethical and security concerns. According to the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, “No person holding an office of remuneration or trust under the United States shall, without the consent of Congress, accept any gift, emolument, office, or title from any king, prince, or foreign nation.”
Several Democrats have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives requiring Trump to submit to Congress all plans for donating the jumbo jet under the Foreign Emoluments Clause.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee (chief opposition member), said: “Congress’s duty under the Constitution is to ensure that the president does not use the highest office in the country as a tool to get rich quick and accept lavish gifts from foreign presidents, dictators and emirs. It is time for Congress to fulfill its duties.”
"This is the definition of corruption," Connecticut Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday.
Trump's defense
Trump defended Qatar's "very goodwill gesture," saying it was a contribution to the Defense Department while Boeing builds more planes and not a personal gift.
Advertisement