Democrats and good government advocates say that Trump accepts is unethical and perhaps unconstitutional.
The US is discussing offers from Qatar’s royal family to provide a luxurious jumbo jet for use as a presidential plane.
The administration of US President Donald Trump indicates that it plans to accept Boeing 747-8 passenger planes, which serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force 1. The news sparked warnings from critics that accepting planes is unethical.
Qatar denied in a statement that the plane would be a gift, saying that relocation of the aircraft for “temporary use” is being discussed.
Spokesman Ali Al Ansari said the offer was still under consideration by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the US Ministry of Defense and “no decision was made.”
However, in a post on his social media site Truth Social later Sunday, it appeared Trump would confirm that he would accept the plane as a gift.
At a cost of around $400 million, this is one of the most valuable gifts the US government has ever received.
“So, the crooked Democrats we insist on paying are plaguing the best dollars on planes, because it’s the fact that the Department of Defense is temporarily receiving free gifts from 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force with a very public and transparent deal,” the Republican president wrote.
Democrats and advocates of good government said accepting planes as gifts is unethical and likely unconstitutional.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer wrote, “I won’t say anything “American first” like the Air Force brought to you by Qatar.”
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt rejected such claims.
“The gifts given by foreign governments are always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws. President Trump’s administration is committed to full transparency,” she said.
Trump toured Katari-owned 747-8 in February and parked near his Marlago resort at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida.
At the time, the White House said the president did so to better understand how the latest Air Force is constructed.
Al-Ansari said the proposed arrangement would include donating luxury jets to the US government for use as an air force during the Trump presidency.
According to reports from US media, the aircraft will be transported to the Presidential Library of Donald J.Trump when it leaves the office.
Trump is to visit Qatar during his trip to the Bay this week. While Trump is in Qatar, planes will not be presented or accepted.