WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS
The administration of US President Donald Trump intends to accept a Boeing 747-8 aircraft as a gift from the Qatari royal family, which would serve as the presidential plane Air Force One, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters.
The luxury plane would be one of the most valuable gifts the US government has ever received. The new commercial 747-8 aircraft costs approximately $ 400 million.
"Corrupt Democrats want us to pay a lot"
Trump seems ready to accept the gift from Qatar. On Sunday, he wrote on social media:
“So the fact that the Department of Defense is getting a free 747 to temporarily replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, in a very public and transparent transaction, is so annoying to the corrupt Democrats that they insist we pay, top dollar, for the plane. The Democrats are world-class losers!!!”
Democrats and many experts say it is unethical and probably unconstitutional to accept such a gift.
“It’s not just bribery, it’s high-end foreign influence…”, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on social media.
Caroline Leavitt, a White House spokeswoman, said that any gift from a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws and that the Trump administration is committed to complete transparency.
Qatar spokesman Ali al-Ansari, however, said that the possible donation of the plane was still under consideration and that no decision had been made yet.
Trump is on a tour of Arab countries this week, which will include a visit to Qatar.
“Flying Palace”
According to ABC News, the Qatari royal family plans to give Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8, known as the “Flying Palace,” which would become his new Air Force One. The planes are expected to be delivered during Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East.
According to available information, the luxury Boeing 747-8 that the Qatari royal family plans to give President Donald Trump is known for its lavish interior, including gold-colored walls and gilded furniture. The plane is equipped with a bedroom, lounges, conference rooms, marble-lined bathrooms and a grand staircase.
He plans to keep it after his term
Trump reportedly already toured the plane in February while it was parked at West Palm Beach Airport and personally approved it, ABC reports.
According to the same sources, the plane is expected to be officially handed over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation before the end of Trump’s term.
While gift-giving between heads of state is common, the U.S. Constitution prohibits federal officials from accepting personal gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. Any gift worth more than a minimum threshold ($480, under a March 2025 order) is considered the property of the American people and can only be kept if the official purchases it at market value, according to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
Dissatisfaction with current fleet status
Trump has repeatedly criticized Boeing in recent months for delays in delivering two new presidential jets, contracted as part of a $3.9 billion deal.
“I don’t like it that it’s so late,” Trump told reporters in February while in the air on what is now Air Force One. “There’s no excuse for that,” he added.
According to a CNN report, the acting head of the US Air Force's acquisition department, Darlene Costello, told the House Armed Services Committee that, based on current negotiations with Boeing, the delivery of the two aircraft could be pushed back to 2027. "I can't guarantee that date, but Boeing is currently proposing 2027, if we can reach an agreement on changes to the requirements," Costello said.
