A Controversial Aircraft Offer: Qatar’s Proposal to Replace Air Force One
The possibility of Qatar gifting a luxury Boeing 747 to serve as Air Force One has sparked debate among U.S. political circles. While the Trump administration is yet to finalize this plan, it has already faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers and watchdog groups who argue it breaches constitutional guidelines.
The White House announced that Qatar had proposed donating the plane to the U.S. Department of Defense. However, the presentation or acceptance of the aircraft will not occur during President Trump’s current Middle East visit. This offer comes amid President Trump’s dissatisfaction with the delayed delivery of two upgraded Air Force One jets from Boeing, a deal initially set in 2018. On Monday, Trump stated that Qatar’s offer serves as a temporary solution.
“I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane,'” Trump remarked, describing the offer as a commendable gesture.
The luxurious Boeing 747, potentially valued at approximately $400 million, would represent one of the largest foreign gifts to the U.S. government. This raises concerns as the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits officeholders from accepting gifts from foreign states. Trump clarified that the aircraft is intended for the Department of Defense and would later be decommissioned for his presidential library, ensuring he won’t use it post-presidency.
Richard Briffault, an expert in government ethics at Columbia Law School, asserts that this distinction is insignificant. He argues that if the plane is destined for Trump’s library, it would be a personal gift, violating the Emoluments Clause. Briffault and others in the field express concern that accepting the plane could make Trump feel obliged to Qatar.
Jordan Libowitz from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) highlighted the potential conflict given Trump’s business ventures in Qatar. The Trump Organization, under the control of Trump’s sons since 2017, announced a new luxury golf resort deal in Qatar. Libowitz questions whether such interests align with national priorities.
Experts Say the Gift is Unprecedented
Typically, presidents receive minor gifts like cufflinks, which are handed over to the government unless purchased at market value. Libowitz notes the magnitude of Qatar’s offer is unprecedented and raises ethical concerns, especially with Trump’s business interests in Qatar.
CREW previously sued Trump for allegedly benefiting financially from foreign governments during his first term, a case dismissed by the Supreme Court post-presidency. Trump assured critics that the plane would replace the “40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction.”
Despite assertions of transparency, Libowitz argues public transactions aren’t inherently ethical. Experts emphasize the need for thorough inspection of the plane for security measures before any potential use.
Challenges and Consequences Seem Unlikely
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché to the U.S., stated the aircraft’s transfer is still under legal review. Prominent Democrats, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, criticize the offer as inappropriate foreign influence. Rep. Ritchie Torres has called for an immediate review by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
While the terms of the proposed transaction remain unclear, experts question the capacity of any authority to prevent it. Rep. Jamie Raskin insists on Congress’s consent, per the Foreign Emoluments Clause, but Briffault notes impeachment is the only viable enforcement mechanism, which appears improbable with Republican control of Congress.
Briffault concludes that beyond public opinion, few checks remain on presidential conduct in such matters.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
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