President Donald Trump defended Qatar gifting the U.S. a jet to use as Air Force One as the new fleet is still under construction.

Trump is in talks to accept a luxury Boeing 747 as a gift from the royal family of Qatar, a move CT Sen. Chris Murphy opposes.

President Donald Trump said a luxury jet being offered by the government of Qatar would be used as a temporary Air Force One, indicating an intention to accept a gift that has sparked ethical and security concerns in Washington.

In May 2025, the nation of Qatar gave the Department of Defense a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be remodeled into a new Air Force One.

President Trump’s confirmation that the United States may accept a presidential aircraft gifted from Qatar marked the latest escalation in his clash with Boeing.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says he will hold up all Department of Justice nominations on the Senate floor until he gets more answers about the free Air Force One replacement that President Donald Trump says would be donated by Qatar.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and GOP firebrand senators are among those voicing discomfort with the deal.

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and economist Peter Schiff have sharply criticized a reported $400 million gift of a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family to President Donald Trump.