Qatar Denies Favor-Trading, Calls Boeing 747 Gift Legitimate

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has denied allegations that the gift of a large Boeing 747 aircraft to Donald Trump was an attempt to curry favor with the U.S. government. The aircraft, valued at approximately 400 million dollars, was reportedly offered during Trump's visit to the Middle East in May 2025. The Prime Minister emphasized that the transaction was a legitimate and transparent exchange between the defense departments of the two countries, part of a long-standing cooperation.

Trump, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, faced criticism from opposition politicians in the U.S. who accused the move of being a potential bribe. The Prime Minister, however, dismissed these claims, stating that the relationship between Qatar and the U.S. is based on mutual benefit and that such exchanges are common among allies. He also noted that many countries have gifted items to the U.S. in the past, although he did not compare the aircraft to the Statue of Liberty.

Trump, in response to the criticism, stated that the aircraft was intended for the U.S. Department of Defense and not for personal use. He also mentioned that the aircraft would eventually be donated to the Presidential Library Foundation. The new "Air Force One" aircraft, currently under production by Boeing, has faced delays due to supply chain and component issues.

Democrats in the U.S. have raised ethical and security concerns over the proposed gift, citing the U.S. Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign entities without congressional approval. Several Democrats have introduced resolutions in the House of Representatives, calling on Trump to disclose all plans related to the aircraft donation. Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, stated that the Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to ensure that the presidency is not used for personal enrichment through foreign gifts. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut also condemned the move, calling it a definition of corruption.

In defense of the gift, Trump described it as a friendly gesture from Qatar, intended to support the U.S. Department of Defense during the production of more Boeing aircraft. He stated that he could have refused the gift but chose to accept it as a gesture of goodwill. The Prime Minister of Qatar reiterated that the transaction was a legitimate and transparent exchange between the two countries, emphasizing the mutual benefits of their relationship.