Donald Trump’s administration will receive a Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, the most expensive gift from foreign governments in US history. This is reported by ABC News.
The terms of the gift
The plane, known as the “flying palace” because of its luxurious interior, will be used by Trump as Air Force One until the end of his second term. After that, no later than January 1, 2029, it will be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. The gift announcement is scheduled for next week during Trump’s visit to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Trump inspected the plane in February at West Palm Beach Airport.
Legal assessment
White House and DOJ lawyers prepared an opinion for Defense Secretary Pete Hagel, arguing that the Air Force could accept the plane without violating bribery laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Solicitor General David Warrington confirmed the legality of the transfer if it takes place before 2029. The US Air Force will modify the aircraft and cover all costs.
Cost and value
Experts estimate the Boeing 747-8 at $400 million, excluding additional security and communications equipment, making it an unprecedented gift to the United States.