Trump Accepts $400M Luxury Jet from Qatar for Air Force One
NEWS & RESEARCH
In May 2025, President Trump apparently solicited and accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One. The gift coincided with a multi-billion-dollar arms sale to Qatar and the UAE, and followed a Trump Organization deal for a luxury resort in Doha. The President reportedly plans to retain the "flying palace" for private use after his term ends.
SOURCES: The Guardian | Politico |White House |The Guardian
ANALYSIS & OPINION
Ethics experts and former White House counsels across three administrations have condemned the transfer as a violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits presidents from accepting foreign gifts without congressional approval. Critics have labeled the deal a "flying bribe" and a significant corruption risk.
SOURCES: New York Times | US News | BBC
HOW TO FIX IT
Federal action:
Pass the Closing Bribery Loopholes Act of 2026, which expands the definition of “official act” to prevent overly narrow readings that undermine enforcement against bribery
Formal Resolution: Pass a Congressional resolution declaring the gift a breach of constitutional safeguards without explicit consent.
Gift Reform Legislation: Mandate that all presidential gifts remain government property and cannot be converted to personal use post-presidency.
SOURCES:Politico | Politico | Axios | Congress | Congress
Legislation:S.1804 - Presidential Airlift Security Act of 2025 | H.R.3741 - Closing Bribery Loopholes Act
