Presidential jet gifted to Trump by Qatar completes testing
The US Constitution prohibits government officials from accepting gifts “from any King, Prince or foreign State,” in a section known as the Emoluments Clause
ATT Desk Report
A Boeing 747 that Qatar gave to President Donald Trump has completed flight testing and is expected to make its debut this summer, the US Air Force said Friday, reports Arab News.
The aircraft “has officially completed modification and flight testing and is being painted. The aircraft is on schedule to roll out in a new red, white and blue livery this summer,” the Air Force said in a statement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the gift from Qatar in May 2025, saying it was in accordance with federal regulations. While the jet is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, the conversion process has reportedly cost approximately $400 million. The retrofitting focused on installing advanced, classified communication systems and sweeping the interior for potential espionage technology. While Arabic signage was removed, many of the jet’s original opulent features, such as oversized leather seats, plush sofas, and library-style interiors, remain.
The gift has sparked significant controversy, with critics citing the US Constitution's Emoluments Clause, which prohibits government officials from accepting presents from foreign states without congressional consent.
President Trump has dismissed these concerns, arguing it would be "stupid" for the US government to refuse the aircraft.
