Connect with us

Published

on

The Boeing 747-8 offered by the Qatari royal family raises questions about political expediency, transparency and compatibility with US federal laws

US President Donald Trump is about to receive an unprecedented gift: a new Air Force One offered by the Qatari royal family. It is a luxury Boeing 747-8, known as a “flying palace”, which will be converted into the presidential aircraft and put into service by the end of his term. The aircraft will be formally handed over to the Pentagon, which will then transfer it to the Trump administration through a procedure that, on paper, would circumvent the legal constraints of the Constitution.

But the gesture, as sensational as it is questionable, is already fuelling a wave of perplexity. According to the Emoluments Clause, no US public official may accept gifts or titles from “foreign kings, princes, or states” without explicit authorisation from Congress. To circumvent the obstacle, the jet will technically be accepted by the Department of Defence as a state donation, but the final step – its making available exclusively to the president – remains constitutionally slippery ground.

The most concrete risk is that this is a dangerous precedent: accepting a gift of this magnitude from a Gulf monarchy, while Trump is engaged in a delicate diplomatic tour in the Middle East, risks fuelling suspicions of undue influence, commercial favouritism and potential conflicts of interest.

This is not the first time that the proximity between the Trump Organisation and certain foreign governments has generated controversy. And this time, too, the White House’s reaction was dry and defensive. ‘The president has left a successful business to serve the country,’ said spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, dismissing any allusion to personal gain.

But one fact remains: the Boeing 747-8 in question, already equipped as an extra-luxury jet, is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And his donation comes just as Boeing has postponed the delivery of the new official Air Force One to 2027-2028. A generous gesture or an influence-peddling manoeuvre disguised as strategic cooperation?

The public and Congress, at this point, will have to question whether to accept the gift as a logistical opportunity… or as a potential compromise of institutional independence.

THE LATEST NEWS

Epstein Documents Reveal Trump Trips on Private Jet Multiple Times

New Epstein documents reveal Trump trips on the financier’s private plane, showing multiple flights with Ghislaine Maxwell and family members...
Read More
Epstein Documents Reveal Trump Trips on Private Jet Multiple Times

US sanctions EU officials, former commissioner Thierry Breton targeted

US sanctions EU officials over digital policies, banning five European figures including former EU commissioner Thierry Breton. Washington cites censorship...
Read More
US sanctions EU officials, former commissioner Thierry Breton targeted

Car Hits Crowd at Nunspeet Christmas Parade, Nine Injured

At least nine people were injured in a Nunspeet Christmas parade accident in the Netherlands. Police say it appears accidental,...
Read More
Car Hits Crowd at Nunspeet Christmas Parade, Nine Injured

China EU Dairy Tariffs Spark Tensions on European Dairy Exports

China imposes tariffs on EU dairy products, affecting milk and cheese exports. European authorities warn of trade challenges and potential...
Read More
China EU Dairy Tariffs Spark Tensions on European Dairy Exports

Trump pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell under consideration, says brother

Trump pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell may be requested if her latest appeal is rejected, her brother says, citing alleged judicial...
Read More
Trump pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell under consideration, says brother

Trump Organization Expands in Saudi Arabia Amid Global Projects and Setbacks

The Trump Organization advances its real estate empire in Saudi Arabia with a $63 billion Diriyah project, while withdrawing from...
Read More
Trump Organization Expands in Saudi Arabia Amid Global Projects and Setbacks

(Photo: © AndKronos)

Di Tendenza/Trending