News of present from royal family ignited accusations of bribery and corruption, as well as criticism against president
Trump reportedly prepared to accept ‘palace in the sky’ as gift from Qatar
News of present from royal family ignited accusations of bribery and corruption, as well as criticism against president
Sun 11 May 2025 17.53 BST
Donald Trump is reportedly ready to accept a luxury plane described to be a “palace in the sky” being offered to the US president as a gift from Qatar’s royal family, almost immediately igniting accusations of bribery and corruption as well as commensurate criticism.
On Sunday, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, ABC reported that the Trump administration was girding itself to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8, a jumbo jet from the Qatari royals that was estimated to be about $400m. Trump would then use the 13-year-old plane as the new Air Force One until shortly before the conclusion of his second Oval Office stint, at which point it would be transferred to his presidential library foundation no later than 1 January 2029.
On X, Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland said: “Trump must seek Congress’ consent to take this $300m from Qatar. The Constitution is perfectly clear: no present of any kind whatever’ from a foreign state without Congressional permission. A gift you use for four years and then deposit in your library is still a gift (and a grift).”
Any gift given to a president in their official capacity must be turned over to the government. Keeping such gifts can be seen as a bribe.
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