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Qatar’s royal family has offered to donate jumbo jets to the Department of Defense, which could serve as an air force, but White House officials said Fox News has learned that the offer has not been accepted.
ABC News reported earlier Sunday that President Trump was ready to “accept” the $400 million Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet and would use it until the end of his term, until it is given to his presidential library. Trump is believed to be unhappy with Boeing’s delay in producing new presidential planes.
White House officials told Fox News that the gift would not be presented or accepted when Trump visited Doha this week. However, the White House has stopped completely denying that Trump could own a plane at some point.
“Gifts given by foreign governments are always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws,” said White House Press Director Karoline Leavitt. “President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency.”
Trump confirmed the offer Sunday night in the Truth Social Post.
“So the fact that the Pentagon is temporarily giving away 747 aircraft for free to replace the 40-year-old Air Force with a very public and transparent deal is bothering the bent Democrats we claim we will pay for the plane,” Trump wrote. “Everyone can do that! Dem is a world-class loser!!! Maga.”
Trump is expected to head to the Middle East this week to meet leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump teases “a very big announcement” ahead of his trip to the Middle East, with Carney saying he’s “at the edge of my seat.”
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have left the Air Force. (Getty Images)
Trump reportedly toured the plane in February when he was on the runway at Florida’s West Palm Beach Airport, ABC News reported. The outlet that first reported on the issue pointed out that the plane is known as the “flying palace” because of its super luxurious equipment.
The gift is reportedly tied to legal review as the White House lawyers’ office and the Department of Justice reviewed the president’s legality to accept such expensive gifts from abroad.
Boeing 747-8 (Getty Images)
The current one Air Force fleet includes two planes, with Trump awarding Boeing a $3.9 billion contract in 2018, and under his first term to manufacture two new jets. However, construction of the Jets is not expected to be completed until 2029.
“Boeing is proud to build the next generation of Air Force 1 and provide the US president with a flying White House of outstanding value to taxpayers. President Trump has negotiated quite a bit on behalf of the American people.”
Trump Staff Raided Air Force 1 on a box of items seized by the FBI in 2022
President Trump’s personal jet used while riding the campaign trail. (Getty Images)
When not in office as president, Trump travels a private Boeing 757 jet called Trump Force 1. The jet has become famous for its Trump surname and was frequently seen against the backdrop of campaign rally.
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Trump purchased the 757 jet in 2011 and was equipped with premium equipment such as a 24-carat gold-plated seat belt buckle. The plane received complete improvements ahead of the 2024 presidential run.
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