WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is expected to make his first flight aboard a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar later this week, a decision that has renewed political, ethical and constitutional debate over foreign gifts to American officials.
According to a White House official, Trump will travel to North Dakota on Wednesday to attend an event marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The aircraft, a modified Boeing 747 previously used by Qatar’s leadership, was unveiled earlier this month. Trump praised Qatar for providing the jet and personally approved its red, white and blue exterior design.
Trump has long advocated replacing the ageing Air Force One fleet and has pushed for new presidential aircraft since his first term in office.
The decision to use the Qatar-donated aircraft has drawn criticism from political opponents and ethics experts, who argue that accepting a jet worth hundreds of millions of dollars from a foreign government raises constitutional, national security and conflict-of-interest concerns.
The US Constitution’s Emoluments Clause bars federal officials from accepting gifts, payments or titles from foreign states without the consent of Congress.
The Trump administration has maintained that Qatar donated the aircraft directly to the US Department of Defense rather than to the president personally. Officials have also said the aircraft could eventually become part of Trump’s presidential library, a proposal that has attracted further scrutiny.
The Qatar-donated aircraft will serve as a temporary presidential jet until Boeing delivers two new 747-8 aircraft designated for Air Force One. The replacement programme has experienced repeated delays and significant cost overruns.
