Desk:Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again found himself at the center of controversy—this time over a lavish gift offered by the royal family of Qatar. The Gulf monarchy has reportedly proposed to gift Trump a Boeing 747 aircraft worth $400 million (approx. ₹3,300 crore), which Trump wants to use as his version of “Air Force One.”
The proposal has sparked political outrage across the United States, with criticism coming not only from Democrats but also from within Trump’s own Republican Party. The U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause clearly prohibits any person holding office from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
“I’m not stupid enough to refuse a free plane”: Trump
In response to mounting criticism, Trump said to reporters, “If someone’s giving us a plane for free, am I supposed to be an idiot and say no?” He argued that if the aircraft were handed over to the Department of Defense rather than directly to him, the Emoluments Clause would not apply.
A Lesson from History Ignored?
In 1839, President Martin Van Buren declined extravagant gifts—including lions, pearls, and horses—offered by the sultans of Morocco and Oman. He sought guidance from Congress, and eventually, the lions were sent to a zoo while the pearls were placed in the Smithsonian. Trump’s stance contrasts sharply with that precedent.
Experts Warn of Security and Ethical Risks
Presidential security expert Garrett Graff has labeled the idea of accepting a foreign, previously used aircraft as “not smart” and “dangerous.” He warned that since the jet was under Qatar’s control for an extended period, it could pose cyber, espionage, and tracking risks.
Conflicts of Interest Loom Large
The proposal comes at a time when the Trump family’s business dealings in the Middle East are rapidly expanding. Trump-branded towers are under development in Saudi Arabia, a golf course is underway in Qatar, and the UAE recently struck a $2 billion deal through a crypto platform developed by Trump’s company.
Political Reactions Across the Aisle
Former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy dismissed the idea, saying, “America can build its own aircraft—we don’t need to accept one for free.” Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman went further, stating, “This is yet another example of Trump’s corrupt mindset, where the presidency is used for personal gain.”
Trump, who once championed the “America First” slogan with strong stances against foreign entanglements, now appears willing to accept foreign gifts—a shift that’s making both his allies and critics increasingly uneasy.